Philippines U21 drops 51-point hammer on hapless Nigeria U21, 121-70 (81045)Oslo, Norway -- "Calm before the storm." That's how Coach Leo described today's game as they easily got past Nigeria U21, 121-70. Philippines U21's next three games are up against Italia U21 (3-1), Israel U21 (2-2) and Bosna i Hercegovina U21 (2-2), in this particular order. Looking at the current standings, these aforementioned teams, together with Philippines U21 (3-1) and Magyarország U21 (2-2), will be fighting over the last 3 spots to qualify for the second round. Hong Kong U21 (4-0) got a better grip of the top spot after drubbing Bosna i Hercegovina U21 earlier, 114-103.
As expected by many, Philippines U21 raced to an early lead, and continued punishing Nigeria U21's defense in the next quarters. The lead swelled by as much as 56 points in the fourth quarter.
6 Filipino players scored in double-digits.
Cornelio Porminal, for the first time, led the scoring mob with 21 points, while collecting 5 rebounds and 2 assists. This was also the first time he didn't start the game, but he was still effective in limited minutes, nonetheless.
Boen Chong started again at SG, adding 17 points to his name, while
Archimedes Pumar contributed 16 points and 7 rebounds.
Benigno Sasabo towered over the opposition and finished the game with 9 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assists, and a whopping 7 blocks.
Bill Guerrero, who just recovered from an injury a few days ago, shook off the rust, started the game and grabbed 14 boards to help Sasabo on the rebounding department.
Gabo Familar was once again tasked to lead Philippines U21's offense, as he paced the team with 12 points and 6 assists.
Timothy Akuoma,
Allah Sanusi,
Robert Ugbo and
James Onoriode were tasked to carry the scoring load against Philippines U21, but the burden was too much as the latter locked in on the defensive end. Akuoma scored 18 markers, while Sanusi added 17 points. Ugbo had a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double, while Onoriode got a near double-double of 12 points and 9 assists.
As mentioned earlier, Philippines U21 will take on Italia U21 on the 19th of August, 1:30 AM (Manila Time). The next games are tougher from here on out, so your support for our National teams is much needed.
Points Leaders:Cornelio Porminal - 21 points
Boen Chong - 17 points
Archimedes Pumar - 16 points
Rebounds Leaders:Benigno Sasabo - 16 rebounds
Bill Guerrero - 14 rebounds
Feliciano Gaitano - 11 rebounds
Assists Leaders:Gabo Familar - 6 assists
Andre Hogan Sevilla - 5 assists
Raphael Duruelo - 4 assists
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
- Leo