FIBA Asia U-18: RP five rips Iraq, makes q'finals

When push comes to shove, expect Kiefer Ravena to take over for the Philippine Youth basketball team. Ravena banged in a game-high 23 points, besides posting two rebounds, four assists, a block and a steal in leading the Filipinos to an inspiring 68-59 triumph over Iraq in the FIBA Asia U-18 Championship at the 22nd May court in Sana’a, Yemen. In winning their third in five games, the Filipinos have secured an outright quarterfinals berth. The team, which is supported by Nokia Philippines, has gained at least a tie for third place in its group. Ravena drew inspiration from his parents, who flew to Yemen to support him and the rest of the Nationals. The second-generation player was the only double-digit scorer for the Pinoy quintet, but the rest of the squad did a little bit of everything to make the win possible. Roldan Sara, while going scoreless in 19 minutes of play, racked up five of his team’s 10 steals to typify the Nationals’ resiliency on the defensive end. The Filipinos struggled from the field and shot a relatively low 38-percent (25-of-65) shooting. Even their three-point shooting went sour as they made only three of 15 attempts. Ravena made three of four free throws to break a 52-all stand-off in the early part of the fourth period. A basket by Kyle Neypes touched off a 10-2 run by the 4:43 mark of the fourth period, giving the Nationals their first sizable lead, 65-54. The Filipinos were never seriously threatened from there. The Philippines’ win was their second straight in the second round. The team coached by two-time Philippine Basketball Association champion mentor Eric Altamirano earlier won over Japan, 75-57, Sunday. - KY/Rey Joble, GMANews.TV