Australia U21 (3-1) defeats Pilipinas U21 (3-1) 95-93 in Second Overtime (39560)Atoy Co Mente
(38155016) leads the team with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists while Carl Elbert Durano
(38155281) provided a double double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Pete Whatuira matched Mente’s output with 21 points to lead the Australians. Justin Harkess scored 12 points including the game winning shot in second overtime.
Pilipinas got into foul trouble early with Siegfred Estillore and Ace Julio Madrigal quickly compiling 3 fouls each. Despite this, Pilipinas was able to keep a small lead. After a long drought where both teams are limited to 8 points a piece 8 minutes into the quarter, Australia was finally able to take advantage by making a 7-0 run to retake the lead from the Philippines. They continued to extend the lead, taking advantage of the backups of the team. As the game was slipping from their hands, the Pilipinas starters fought back, retaking a lead after a dunk by Chi Delco with 8:33 left in the game. The lead went back and forth and both teams had the opportunity to ice the game, but failed. With 35 seconds left in regulation, Durano was fouled and have the opportunity to claim the lead, but missed one of his free throws leaving the game tied at 79. On the next possession, Australian PF Lleyton Statham was fouled. Needing just one free throw to take it lead, he missed both. This allowed Pilipinas the chance to win the game, but Statham made up for it by stealing the ball at the buzzer.
The first overtime featured stellar defense, with both teams limited to 4 points each. However, as both teams tire out in the second overtime, more point were scored. With 1:51 left in the second overtime, a dunk by Durano gave the Philippines a 6 point lead. Unfortunately, the Australians made an 8-0 to take the game.
After the fourth game, Philippines is tied with Australia and Taiwan win 3 wins each. Even with the highest point differential, we need to win the next game against India next
Monday, November 28, 5 PM, by a decent margin to guarantee a spot in the next round.
In Pool E, China (3-1) convincingly beat Malaysia (2-2) 116-89 and Singapore (3-1) beats Hong Kong (2-2) 95-93 to make both winners the favorites for the next round. Aside from Malaysia and Hong Kong, Iran (2-2) also has a small chance to make the next round by winning and hoping that either China or Singapore loses.