Pilipinas gets past host Lubnan, 89-87
A tightly contested match in Lebanon against the host proved to be a fun one. Nakuha natin ang pinakamalaki nating lamang (11pt lead) sa kalagitnaan ng 3rd quarter ngunit nalusaw din ito sa loob ng tatlong minuto. Sa 4th quarter naman, lamang tayo ng 7pt with 5:33 remaining pero nahabol din ngunit nahabol din at nakalamang pa sila sa loob din ng tatlong minuto. The last few minutes proved how evenly matched both teams are but, in the end, Pilipinas prevailed and took the W, thanks to two clutch free throws from Fortunato Arcega (6pts, 11rebs, 2asts, 2blks).
The team was led by the triumvirate of Jiffrey Sumalapao (32pts, 4rebs, 6asts), Benson Villarivera (18pts, 5rebs) and Leorio Lovino (16pts, 3rebs, 5asts). The twin towers of Fortunato Arcega and Leandro Toledanes (4pts, 7rebs, 4asts, 5blks) provided the much-needed interior presence against Lubnan's inside offense.
Next week, we will be facing a hungry Kazakhstan team eyeing a spot for the next round of the Asia Cup. Season 41 was the last time they got past the first round.
We seem to be hitting our strides in the right time. Sana next week ay magandang muli or mas maganda pa ang game shape ng ating mga manlalaro. May 3 open slots pa sa ating pool this season kaya naman inaasahan nating may mga kukunin pa tayong reinforcement para sa susunod na round.
Maraming salamat at laban Pilipinas!