Pilipinas U21 fends off gutsy Australian U21 team, 84-77 (74603)Beirut, Lebanon -- Pilipinas U21 needed this win to get a better chance to enter the semifinals of the ongoing U21 Asian Tournament, and they pulled through, securing a crucial win against Australia U21, 84-77.
The Filipinos were leading after the 1st quarter, 25-16, but the Aussies went on berserk in the 2nd quarter as they scored 34 points (against 18 points from Philippines), and got the lead 50-43. The Philippine team displayed some grit after the halftime and limited the Aussies to just 27 points in the 2nd half.
Pedro Mamaril was red hot to begin the game, but his 3 1st half fouls cooled him down a bit. He scored 17 points in the 1st half, and ended the game as the scoring leader with 31 points on 10 of 25 shooting.
Leonilo Gomez had a miserable night of shooting with just 13 points on 5 of 20 shooting, but his rebounding made up for it as he grabbed 15 rebounds. He was low-key looking like Josh Hart out there on the court.
Allan Camilo Onganon was a monster on the boards with 22 rebounds (9 offensive) to go along with his 12 points and 3 blocks.
Vince Vanderstam and
Lan Luu led the Aussies with 14 points each. The Aussies, who are now at 2-2, needs to win their next game vs Malaysia next week. Malaysia just earned a very impressive win against the undefeated Hong Kong U21 team to push themselves in contention for a semifinals spot.
As for the standings, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Philippines will all have identical 3-1 win-loss records and will need to win their last games and secure a decent point differential (PD) to determine who gets to play for the trophies and enter the U21 World Cup next season. Next week's schedule includes: Philippines vs Japan, Hong Kong vs U.A.E. and Malaysia vs Australia
All these games have implications in the final standings, so please continue to support our National and U21 teams. Same time by the way, 11pm (Manila time), on June 3.
Points Leaders:
Pedro Mamaril - 31 points
Leonilo Gomez - 13 points
Allan Camilo Onganon - 12 points
Rebounds Leaders:
Allan Camilo Onganon - 22 rebounds
Leonilo Gomez - 15 rebounds
Axel Marquese - 8 rebounds
Assists Leaders:
David Castaños - 7 assists
Alexander Justin Daa - 4 assists
Leonilo Gomez - 3 assists
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
- Leo