The Energen Pilipinas youth team outplayed host Singapore in the fourth quarter to take a 75-63 decision on Thursday night for its second win in the 8th Seaba Under-18 championship in Singapore.
The Nationals passed their first test in the tournament, opening the fourth period with a 6-0 run after taking a precarious 55-52 lead at the end of the third.
The Philippine team is now tied with Indonesia at the top spot at 2-0 won-lost. Next up for the youth squad is Malaysia, which defeated Laos, 117-53, for its first win in two games.
“The competition is getting tougher,” said coach Olsen Racela. “But I know that with more time together, we will become better as a team.”
J-Jay Alejandro led the Philippines with 13 points, Rey Nambatac had 12 points and Kent Lao added 10 for the Nationals, who won the rebounding battle, 44-29, despite the presence of six-foot-seven Singaporean Delvin Goh.
Goh, who at age 16 is already a member of the Singapore Slingers in the Asean Basketball League, finished the game with 17 points and seven rebounds while Ding Loon Tay had 15 points.
Junrong Thng had 13 points including three triples as the Singaporeans edged out the Filipinos in three-point conversions, 7-3.
The scores:
Philippines 75—Alejandro 13, Nambatac 12, Lao 10, Javelosa 8, Cani 7, Rivero 6, De Leon 5, Morada 5, Olayon 5, Bonleon 4, Suarez 0, Go 0.
Singapore 63—Goh 17, Tay 15, Thng 13, Ng 8, Toh 5, Chee 3, Tan 2, Wong 0, Low 0, Chun 0, Chan 0, Ang 0.
Quarterscores: 16-13, 35-30, 55-52, 75-63.
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