Powerade-RP Team sweeps visiting Aussie 5

MANILA, Philippines – Kerby Raymundo took charge in regulation before Arwind Santos finished the job in overtime as the Powerade Team Pilipinas edged out the visiting Australian selection, 93-89, for a sweep of their two-game exhibition series at the Araneta Coliseum Sunday night. Raymundo topscored for 24 points and rallied back the nationals from as many as an eight-point deficit late in the third period, while Santos added 12 including a completed steal in the waning seconds of the extra period to virtually seal the outcome of the thrilling match in favor of the nationals, 91-86. “It was a great workout for us. It measures the character of the team. Of course, Kerby’s character is unquestionable," said coach Yeng Guiao after the match. The nationals won the first game, 87-63. But with imports Tiras Wade and Shawn Daniels reinforcing the Aussies, the nationals found the opposition different this time, trailing by as many as 52-60 in the third quarter. Raymundo, however, came to the RP quintet’s rescue, scoring jumpers one after the other to tie the game at 80 with 54 seconds to go. The nationals even had a chance to win the game in regulation after Asi Taulava was fouled by Darren Veg with 2.8 seconds left. But the RP team skipper missed his two foul shots that sent the game into an extra five minutes. That’s when Santos took over. The former Far Eastern University mainstay scored the nationals’ first five points as the Filipinos took control for good, 85-82. The Aussies last threatened at 87-86 before Raymundo scored and Santos converted a steal to make it a five-point game for the home team. “We missed some shots, but the important thing was that we won," Guiao said. Wade had 30 points to show the way for the Aussies while Daniels added 19. – GMANews.TV