Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Victory escapes RP Junior Team
VICTORY is still elusive for the Filipino squad as the Philippine Junior Team suffered another blow that washed their chances to advance to the next round after suffering an 86-78 defeat from the hand of the Japanese squad in the 20th Fiba-Asia U-8 Championship For Junior Men held at the Azadi Basketball Hall in Tehran, Iran.
The defeat was the Philippines’ second straight for the past five days that doused their hopes to advance to the semifinal round in Group II quarterfinal round.
Challenge
The Philippines dominated the battle of the boards and had more attempts than the Japanese but its woeful shooting percentage gave way to the more accurate opponents.
Japan made 28-of-68 attempts including 7-of-20 from the three-point land against the Philippines, 32-of-78 (4-of-25 from 3-pt. area).
The Philippines also had 48 rebounds against 34 of Japan had 9-7 steals,
But the Filipinos gave away a total of 27 personal fouls, which Japan made 23-of-37 points from the free-throw line against the Philippines’ woeful 10-of-25.
Japan kept a slim lead all throughout the game despite the great efforts displayed by the Filipinos to gain momentum.
Yusoke Karino scored the game high 25 points for Japan while Makoto Hiejima added 22.
Performance
Fil-Canadian Norberto Torres had another double-double performance of 24 points and 10 rebounds including two steals for the Philippines. Fellow Fil-Canadian Matthew Christopher Wright made 17 points.
The RP Youth squad hoped for the best when they play their final quarterfinal round assignment, host Iran squad, which lead Group 2 with 2-0 card as of press time last night.
Japan (86)—Karino 25, Hiejima 22, Ishikawa 14, Taniguchi 12, Nagayoshi 5, Takahashi 4, Nakafukasako 4. Philippines (78)—Torres 24, Wright 17, Tolentino 11, Garcia 8, Marata 7, Sangalang 4, Golla 3, Paredes 2, Mendoza 2. Quarters: 21-18; 46-39; 64-59; 86-78. (RCM)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (September 3, 2008 issue)
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