FIBA Asia U-18: Pinoy cagers dump Japan

The Philippines vented its ire on Japan and scored a whopping 75-57 triumph in the FIBA Asia U-18 Championship at the 22nd May court in Sana’a, Yemen. Second-generation players Kiefer Ravena and Raphael Banal led the Filipino youngsters' onslaught as they combined for 32 points in leading the team to victory. Ravena, son of former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rookie of the Year and now Talk N Text assistant coach Bong Ravena, finished with 18 points to pace the Nationals, who are supported by Nokia Philippines. Banal, son of Alaska Milk assistant coach Joel Banal, added 14 points while Chris Tolomia and Roldan Sara added nine points apiece in a display of balanced firepower. The Filipinos shot a steady 53 percent (31-of-58) from the field and a high 45 percent (9-of-20) from the three-point area. They also had seven steals, dished out 26 assists, and committed only nine turnovers to dominate their Japanese counterparts. The Filipinos outscored the Japanese, 28-13, in the second period to turn a close game into a rout. The Philippines led, 44-28, at the half, and was never seriously threatened from there. The closest the Japanese could come was within 12 at 49-61 on Takaya Sasama’s basket, 5:10 remaining, but Jeron Teng and Ravena conspired to keep their rivals at bay and put the Filipinos back on the winning track. The Philippines lost to host Yemen, 69-76, on Saturday. The Filipinos last won the Asian Youth championship in 1982 in Manila when the squad was backstopped by Hector Calma, the late Alfie Almario and Teddy Alfarero, Jong Uichico and Louie Brill. American mentor Ron Jacobs, the same coach who handled the fabled Northern Consolidated Corporation, was the head bench tactician then. - KY/Rey Joble, GMANews.TV