THE Philippine 18-Under women’s squad suffered its first defeat at the hands of the taller Kazakhstan, 71-68, last Friday in the 19th Fiba-Asia U-18 Championship for Women at the Gor Angkasapura Lanud Hall in Indonesia.
The win installed Kazakhstan as the No.1 team from Level 2 regardless of the results of their game against Hong Kong at press time yesterday.
The Philippines was relegated to the No.2 spot and was playing to host team Indonesia also at press time yesterday.
The No.1 and No.2 placers of Level 2 will play against the No.5 and No.6 finishers of Level 1 for the chance to be promoted on the next edition two years from now.
The elite Level 1 teams are fighting for the slot to the Fiba U-19 World Championships for Women next year that will be hosted by Chinese-Taipei.
Despite their handicap in height, the Filipinas fought the game bravely as they kept the score close from start to finish.
After a 34-35 halftime score, the Philippines kept the game close for the next 19 minutes and was given a chance in the final 60 seconds when Kazakhstan committed three turnovers in a row.
However, the Philippines failed to cash in the mistakes of the taller opponents as they gave up the game to the determined Kazakhstan squad. RCM
