Pilipinas U21 books semifinals seat, drubs Japan U21, 112-65 (74607)Beirut, Lebanon -- Philippines U21 and Hong Kong U21 knew their assignments. They both outrun and outgunned their opponents and secure semifinals slots. It was just a matter of who gets the number 1 spot in Pool D.
The Filipino team secured an important win against Japan U21, 112-65. On the other hand, Hong Kong U21 thrashed U.A.E. U21, 106-52. Both Hong Kong U21 and Philippines U21 will sport identical 4-1 records, but due to superior point differential, Hong Kong U21 gets #1 with 119, while Philippines U21 gets #2 with 109.
Leonilo Gomez recovered from a nightmarish shooting last game and finished the game with 24 points on 8 of 14 shooting.
Clodualdo Salinel and
Dino Isaiah Libutaque scored 19 and 14 points, respectively, while
Pedro Mamaril had 13 points.
Thad Land led the Japanese side with 16 points and 7 rebounds, while
Eito Igarashi contributed 15 points.
The semifinals matchups will be Hong Kong U21 vs Indonesia U21, and on the other bracket, it's Philippines U21 vs China U21. The schedule hasn't been officially released yet, but the semifinals will most likely be this coming Friday, June 7, 11pm (Manila time). What's at stake here is the chance to get the gold trophy and secure a World Cup slot for next season. Teams losing in the semifinals will still get their chance at a World Cup stint via the World Cup Barrage.
Points Leaders:
Leonilo Gomez - 24 points
Clodualdo Salinel - 19 points
Dino Isaiah Libutaque - 14 points
Rebounds Leaders:
Juvenal Delvir - 16 rebounds
Allan Camilo Onganon - 14 rebounds
Emelito Pabillare - 11 rebounds
Assists Leaders:
Axel Marquese - 6 assists
Clodualdo Salinel - 5 assists
David Castaños - 4 assists
Again, please support our National and U21 teams! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
- Leo