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Lithuania U21 squeaks past pesky Philippines U21 squad, 95-93 (81115)

Oslo, Norway -- With Philippines U21 already out of contention, and getting demolished in their last two encounters, it was a surprise that they gave Lithuania U21 a run for their money. Lithuania U21 badly needed the win, and by a large margin to catch up with the other teams, but the Filipinos somehow spoiled the party as they only ceded 2 points, 95-93.

Technically, Lithuania U21 still has a chance, but they need to win by at least 29 points over Israel U21 next week, and for France U21 to lose by 9 points or more against Italy U21.

The Filipinos were trailing by 16 points by halftime, but a spirited third quarter run gave them the push that they need, and even claiming the lead for the first time in the 7:33 mark in the fourth quarter, 80-79. It was a see-saw battle until the end, but it was Virgimantas Putriuvaitis' clutch 6 points that sealed the deal. The Filipinos had a chance to tie or win it in their last possession, but Gabo Familar's inside shot rolled out of the rim.

Ramūnas Pliaskunas provided 24 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks to lead Lithuania U21. Virgimantas Putriuvaitis, who replaced Virgis Irlikas in the starting five after the latter took a hard shot in the second quarter, had 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Starting guards Drąsius Jocis, and Cecilijus Volkovas contributed 14, and 13 points, respectively for their squad.

Cornelio Porminal, once again, led the Filipinos with 26 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Feliciano Gaitano, the 20-year-old bigman who started for the second time, added 16 points and 7 rebounds, while Boen Chong and Anthony Dejando chipped in 11 points each. Gabo Familar continues to steer the ship for the Filipinos with his near double-double performance of 9 points and 10 assists.

China U21 and Philippines U21 will lock horns on 30th of September, 1:30 AM (Manila Time). Both teams are already eliminated, but they're eager to end the tournament on a positive note.

And again, please support the Philippines' Seniors team as they look to enter the Semifinals of the ongoing Asia Cup, and possibly booking a ticket to the World Cup next season.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Points Leaders:
Cornelio Porminal - 26 points
Feliciano Gaitano - 16 points
Boen Chong - 11 points
Anthony Dejando - 11 points

Rebounds Leaders:
Benigno Sasabo - 13 rebounds
Feliciano Gaitano - 7 rebounds
Cornelio Porminal - 5 rebounds

Assists Leaders:
Gabo Familar - 10 assists
Cornelio Porminal - 5 assists
Feliciano Gaitano - 3 assists

- Leo

Philippines U21 ends tournament on a high note, blasting China U21, 148-106 (81117)

Oslo, Norway -- Philippines U21 started the game with guns blazing as they raced to an early 42-22 lead over China U21 after the first quarter, and later on gave the Filipinos a very comfortable cushion after the first half with a 32-point lead, 78-46. Eventually, Philippines U21 claimed the win, 148-106, with China U21 seemingly having no answer to Philippines U21's balanced attack.

Cornelio Porminal was Philipines U21's best scorer in this game, efficiently scoring 30 points on 13 of 20 from the field. First-time starter, Anthony Dejando, added 22 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals.

The 20-year-old bigs, Bill Guerrero and Feliciano Gaitano, made their marks in this game as well with double-doubles. Guerrero had 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Gaitano recorded 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Philippines U21 also got decent contributions off the bench from Raphael Duruelo and Prime Guartero, chipping in 16 and 13 points, respectively.

It was business as usual for both Benigno Sasabo and Gabo Familar. Sasabo grabbed a game-high 16 rebounds, with 9 points and 4 assists, while Familar was close to another triple-double with 9 points, 8 rebounds and 11 assists.

For China U21, they also got decent contributions from multiple players,with 6 players scoring in double-digits. They were led by Zhang Shiwen and Shen Baofeng, who each scored 21 points. Wei Yingde added 20 points off the bench, while Qiao Zufeng and Vitjun Nymadawa, scored 14 and 13 points, respectively.

Now we turn our attention to Philippines' Seniors National team. They lost yesterday against Taiwan NT, but they still have a chance to claim the top spot by defeating Lebanon NT on Monday. Please support our Seniors team.

As for the U21 team, there will be scrimmages in the next few weeks, featuring future Filipino U21 studs. That is also something to watch out as they prepare for the Asia Cup next season.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Points Leaders:
Cornelio Porminal - 30 points
Anthony Dejando - 22 points
Bill Guerrero - 18 points

Rebounds Leaders:
Benigno Sasabo - 16 rebounds
Ken Nicolas - 12 rebounds
Bill Guerrero - 10 rebounds
Feliciano Gaitano - 10 rebounds

Assists Leaders:
Gabo Familar - 11 assists
Raphael Duruelo - 5 assists
Benigno Sasabo - 4 assists

- Leo

Congrats coach good run for us this U21 World Championship.
Im really happy that Chong and Miguel called by you to represent U21 Pilipinas this year and being part of the Top 8 U21 Team in the world such an honor for them. also Boen Chong winning his 1st League MVP Trophy and looking also for the League Championship. Lucky season for Boen Chong :D

Hello everyone!

Just want to share to everyone that we're already done scouting current 20, 19 and 18 y/o Pinoy players. Bright future ahead of us, I must say. We've also mailed a bunch of managers regarding their training plans. I see some active and committed fellas, so for that, thank you very much for your strong support to our National teams!

If you think you have an interesting young Pinoy player, with allstar potential and above, and you haven't received any mails from me, shoot me an email for your plans, or if you need some guidance on how to train.

On Monday night (at the earliest), we'll be getting our draftees. We now focus our efforts in mailing the managers who luckily got their hands on very interesting Pinoy rookies.

I do encourage all of our Pinoy managers to train, but if for some reason, you really don't want to train, or you think you don't have enough resources to train properly, kindly sell these rookies as early as possible. There are managers here, and in other countries, who are always on the lookout for these highly-touted rookies. Plus, you'll get better monetary returns when sold in the offseason and even in the first week of the new season.

And lastly, good luck to boss Raddy and our Seniors team. We have a game later vs China NT. A win means we're going to the World Cup and we get at least a Silver trophy. A loss will net us a bronze trophy, but we still get another chance to make the World Cup via WC Qualifier/ Barrage against a European team or Americas team.

Good luck everyone!

Best regards,
Leo