MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine national team had a meltdown late in the fourth quarter and wound up losing to Korea, 93-85, on Friday, July 29, in the quarterfinals of the 2016 FIBA Asia Under-18 Championship in Tehran, Iran.
The Philippines, known as Batang Gilas, was ahead 80-73 with 4:10 left after a JV Gallego basket, but Korea responded with an 11-0 run to take control of the contest.
Philippines tried to battle back and cut the lead down to two, 87-85, following a 3-pointer by Kemark Carino, but J. Lee responded with a basket to make it a two-possession game and Batang Gilas was held scoreless the rest of the way.
Carino led Batang Gilas with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 blocks, while Ateneo Blue Eagle Jolo Mendoza finished with 19 points and 4 assists. Gallego added 13 points but had 5 turnovers.
The Philippines will still play for classification and will face the loser of Friday’s game between China and Iran on Saturday. – Rappler.com