Thrilla in Manila! Philippines U21 outlasts Portugal U21 in a highly-contested low-scoring game (78243)Manila, Philippines -- The Filipino fans in the arena were treated to a defensive masterclass between two teams with unblemished records. After the first two quarters, the two teams were only separated by 4 points, 31-27, with Portugal U21 getting the slight upper hand. Both teams showed their gritty defenses, limiting each other to just below 27% field goal shooting.
The second half was the same story with the two teams exchanging leads and pouring all their efforts on the defensive side. Philippines U21 entered the last 2 minute mark with a decent lead, only for Portugal U21 to roar back and tie the game in the final seconds via a three-pointer from
Eduardo Saramago. In the final possession for Philippines U21,
Lamberto Juliano drove to the hoop for a layup, missed it, but the referees called a foul against Portugal U21. Juliano calmly made the two free throws, showing his nerves of steel and ultimately claiming the W for the home team, 69-67. Philippines U21 now sports a 6-0 win-loss record, which increases their chance to claim the top spots coming into the knockout rounds.
The ever-reliable
Ken Provido was Philippines U21's leading scorer with 22 points.
Lamberto Juliano powered the Filipinos with a double-double, 16 points and 12 rebounds. He also shot 8 of 8 free throws, including the final two free throws that sealed the deal for Philippines U21.
Nicasio Luiz, despite the foul trouble, was Philippines U21's chairman of the boards with 14 rebounds, on top of his 2 blocks and 1 steal.
Portugal U21 didn't win the game, but they gave Phiippines U21 a huge scare.
Silvio Castro led the Portuguese in scoring with 17 points, while
Eduardo Saramago followed up with 13 points, including a made three-pointer which could have forced an overtime.
Filipe Fernandes, who was very busy gobbling all the boards he can get while anchoring Portugal U21's 3-2 zone, ended up with 19 rebounds. It also didn't help that starting PG,
Fernando Caxias, got injured in the waning seconds of the first half. He ended up with 7 points, on 2 of 16 field goal shooting.
Philippines U21, once again, will put their perfect record on the line. But this time, it's a road game against a very strong Uruguay U21 team. The game will be held on 18th of February, 6:00AM (Manila time). Please continue to support our National Teams!
Points Leaders:Ken Provido - 22 points
Lamberto Juliano - 16 points
Gabino Cabello - 9 points
Rebounds Leaders:Nicasio Luiz - 14 rebounds
Lamberto Juliano - 12 rebounds
Jeff Castro - 8 rebounds
Assists Leaders:Jan-Jan Revillame - 6 assists
Ken Provido - 2 assists
Gabino Cabello - 2 assists
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
- Leo