JAKARTA, Indonesia — Jason Castro showed why he’s the hottest commodity in amateur basketball today.

The 5-foot-8 guard stood tall Sunday as he powered Harbour Centre-Philippines to an 89-79 decision over Malaysia to take second place in the 7th SEABA Champions Cup at the SM Britama Arena here.

Castro, admired for his array of moves, attacked Malaysia’s defense with impunity to finish with 21 points in a performance that helped the Nationals repair their damaged egos following a 93-86 setback to Indonesia Saturday.

Castro highlighted his splendid showing by making 2-of-3 from the three-point zone. He also had four rebounds and two assists in 29 minutes of action.

Officials continued to blame the hosts for losing the SEABA Cup crown, saying it could have been a different story had Sam Ekwe was allowed to play.

“That’s the only way they (Indonesians) can beat us, they tried everything to stop us from retaining our title which we won fair and square last year,” said Harbour Centre owner Mikee Romero. “We learned a lot from this experience.”

The organizing committee barred Ekwe from playing after the San Beda star failed to secure a player clearance certificate from his home country in Nigeria.

Harbour team manager Erick Arejola and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Patrick Gregorio tried to contest the ruling of the organizing committee stressing out that Ekwe is just an exchange student and not a professional athlete.

Their appeal, however, fell into deaf ears.

SEABA Secretary-General Dato’ Yeoh Choo Hock showed up in the game between the Philippines and Malaysia after making himself scarce during the all-important showdown by the Nationals against the Indons Saturday.

“We were supposed to appeal Ekwe’s case to him but he did not come. Now, he’s here,” said Gregorio.

The Malaysians also have two imports in 6-foot-9 Ben Knight of Singapore Slinggers and 6-foot-4 Chris Kuete of Cameroon. But unlike the two imports of Indonesia, Knight and Kuete failed to blend well which the Nationals exploited to the hilt.

Kuete sizzled for 33 points in a fitting sequel to his performance against the Thais where he also submitted the same score.

The Nationals struggled early, trailing 21-14 at the end of the first quarter.

They continued to tail the Malaysians until they finally found their range in the third where they outscored their opponents, 29-19 to take a 65-59 lead.

Castro was extra hot in that stretch as he joined forces with TY Tang and Jonathan Fernandez in a backbreaking 14-5 run to take the lead for good, 55-47.

They stretched their lead to 71-61 early in the fourth which they protected till the end to finish the tournament with a 2-1 record.

In his best game in the tournament, Fernandez knocked four triples to finish with 19 points while Tang and Beau Belga contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively.

American Mikee Le Blank was used sparingly but still logged in 10 points and five rebounds.

Meantime, the Indons completed a three-game sweep of the tournament by downing an import-less Thailand, 89-69.