National Team Press Release #1:
Pilipinas upsets España: 98-88
Calabria injured – Oton shines
3-point shooting led to España downfall
In what appears to be one of the more stunning upsets in the NT Consolation Tournament, a scrappy Pilipinas squad (57th seed) beat erstwhile favorite España (8th seed), 98-88 – and did so with efficient 3-point shooting from the bench.
29 – year old reserve guard Prudence Oton did not expect to be handed the game ball by coach Lord Woody with a sensational performance against España, logging a game high 27 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 three-pointers, and no turnovers in 30 minutes of action. Oton took to the playing court with starting guard Kidlat Calabria being sidelined after taking an awkward fall. Calabria finished with 3 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 turnover in 10 minutes of action. Calabria is expected to return next week against Moldova.
Team España simply could not get their rhythm from the 3-point line tonight, finishing the game with an abysmal 11% in the 3-point line (1/9). Team Pilipinas converted 37% of its three-point shots (7/19).
España is expected to bounce back against 79th seed Guatemala, while team Pilipinas is scheduled to play against 91st seed Moldova
Stat lines of the game:
España
Starting shooting guard Francisco Olmo did not log a single point during the game, ending with 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, & 2 turnovers in 35 minutes of action.
Burly forward Edmond Sanchez led team España with an efficient 26 points, but logged only 2 rebounds in 34 minutes of action. He fouled out during the game.
Pilipinas
Starting small forward Dingdong Fornoles finished the game with 0-6 converted three-pointers.
Veteran firebrand Guillermo Peñasales fouled out after 22 minutes of action. He finished the game with 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 turnover.