RP cops U-18 crown (3:12 p.m.)

MANILA -- The country's young cagers swept all their foes, highlighted by a 69-38 rout on Thailand, to bag the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (Seaba) Under-18 Championship in Yangoon, Myanmar last Friday.

The Filipino boys had a lethargic start not seen in their first four games, but got their acts going in the second quarter on the way to wrapping up the win just the same -- with plenty to spare.

"Mission accomplished," said coach Eric Altamirano moments after their victory which gave the Filipino boys a ticket to the Fiba-Asia Under-18 for men in Yemen this September.

"We're very happy we won the championship. The boys were very consistent the whole tournament, although somehow nahirapan ng konti sa game because Thailand was really into it until the fourth period."

The elite squad of coach Eric Altamirano include Ravena, Russel Escoto, Kevin Ferrer, Jeth Troy Rosario, Von Pessumal, Michael Pate, Gwyne Capacio, Mike Tolomia, Jeron Teng, Joshua Angelo Alolino, Roldan Sara, Cederick Labing-isa, Paolo Romero, Raphael Banal, and Kyle Neypes. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)