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U21 Press Release
Pilipinas beats South Africa, 102-88

Team Pilipinas starts its World Championships campaign with a resounding victory, beating South Africa, 102-88.

The Proteas did everything they could to stop the Filipinos. “I knew they (Pilipinas) were going to use their inside game against us. We made the necessary preparations, it was just not enough,” Coach A Warrior said via text message when asked for a comment. “My boys gave everything they had for this game. I am still happy with the outcome, considering they were the heavy favorites.” The South African faithful tried to make things difficult for the Filipinos whenever they visit the free throw line, blowing their vuvuzelas. “Admittedly, I think those horns should be banned,” forward Joe Tuason said after the game. He finished the game with a 33% clip (2 of 6) from the stripe.

Big man Jamir Ilusorio led team Pilipinas with a double-double, racking 21 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block. “I know the competition in this pool is really fierce, so getting a win is an accomplishment in itself,” Coach Jeorge said during the post-game conference. “Our next target is get our second win against the US. It will not be easy, but with ‘puso’ on our side, anything can happen.”

The Filipinos are scheduled to face the 2nd seeded Americans next, while the South Africans face 12th seeded Romania.

U21 Press Release
Pilipinas loses to the USA, 92-61

Team Pilipinas went toe to toe against the USA for 12 minutes before collapsing against the heavy favorites, losing 92-61 at the PBV Arena in Latvia Monday night. “We did what we could. The Americans are favorites to win this tournament. We did give them a run for their money for at least one quarter. This is good exposure for the team, give them an idea how it is to play against the best in the world,” Coach Jeorge said after the game. “We are aware the French had a close game against the Americans. We will study the game tape, and hopefully our preparations will be enough.”

The gutsy Filipino squad was led by Jamir Ilusorio, Erald Ruz, and Jec-Jec Lerasan, who all finished with 13 points each, but had to take 56 shots from the field in order to achieve this. “It’s a tough loss, but that’s how you will learn,” Ilusorio said during the post-game presser.

The Philippines plan to get their second win against France, while the Americans hope to get their third straight win against Rumania.

LOL! I am coach, haha! Well it pays to be on the other end of some of these unbelievable games. With the GE changes it's becoming more difficult to analyze the game. Anyway, we have a few more games to finish up the 1st round, at least this win gives us a good chance to qualify to the 2nd round and to potentially carry this win against the French. Really hoping our GS start to catch up - we've seen bad GS from some key players but they are starting to get better. We'll definitely need all the help we can get on our next games.

U21 Press Release
Pilipinas beats France, 98-89

Team Pilipinas pulled a major upset against heavily favored France, beating Les Bleus 98-89 at the BKO Arena Monday night.

Coach Jeorge talked to his stalwarts during the break - the French controlled the game at this point, leading by 14 points, 45-31. A team source was able to provide a recording of what was discussed - “We are not expected to do well in this tournament, so I will give you a choice. Either we allow the other teams to control the game and focus on planning for next season, or give it everything you’ve got and bring the fight to them. This will be your legacy to the U21 National team, gentlemen”. The team came back in the second half and outscored France, 67-44.

Erald Ruz played the game of his life, scoring a career high 32 points. He also finished the game with 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, and 1 block. “I am so happy we got the much-needed win against France. I am at a loss for words… All I can say is, I will continue to give my 110% whenever I get the chance to play” Ruz said during the post-game conference. Ruz never scored more than 29 points as a member of the Mabalacat Tribes.

French guard Antoine Mazurier led Les Bleus with 23 points, playing an efficient 58% clip from the field. Valentin Fleury, their star Center, did not suit up for the game because of an injury. The French loss now puts them in an interesting situation: They have to win against Romania next week, or else face getting eliminated in the tournament. Fleury is expected to recover in two weeks, so he will also not suit up for that game.

Team Pilipinas hopes to win their next game against Germany, and earn a spot in the next round.

U21 Press Release
Pilipinas beats France, 98-89

Team Pilipinas pulled a major upset against heavily favored France, beating Les Bleus 98-89 at the BKO Arena Monday night.

Coach Jeorge talked to his stalwarts during the break - the French controlled the game at this point, leading by 14 points, 45-31. A team source was able to provide a recording of what was discussed - “We are not expected to do well in this tournament, so I will give you a choice. Either we allow the other teams to control the game and focus on planning for next season, or give it everything you’ve got and bring the fight to them. This will be your legacy to the U21 National team, gentlemen”. The team came back in the second half and outscored France, 67-44.

Erald Ruz played the game of his life, scoring a career high 32 points. He also finished the game with 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, and 1 block. “I am so happy we got the much-needed win against France. I am at a loss for words… All I can say is, I will continue to give my 110% whenever I get the chance to play” Ruz said during the post-game conference. Ruz never scored more than 29 points as a member of the Mabalacat Tribes.

French guard Antoine Mazurier led Les Bleus with 23 points, playing an efficient 58% clip from the field. Valentin Fleury, their star Center, did not suit up for the game because of an injury. The French loss now puts them in an interesting situation: They have to win against Romania next week, or else face getting eliminated in the tournament. Fleury is expected to recover in two weeks, so he will also not suit up for that game.

Team Pilipinas hopes to win their next game against Germany, and earn a spot in the next round.

U21 Press Release:
Pilipinas lose to Germany, 114-80

Germany proved to be too much for Team Pilipinas, giving them their worst loss of the tournament, 114-80.

Harry Broling led the charge of Die Mannschaft with 24 points, as Germany’s starters totally outclassed the Philippines in almost every major category. “I was expecting the game to be close; (it seems) I was wrong,” Coach Lord Woody said after the game.

The 34-point loss places the Philippines in a precarious situation: They must win their last game against Romania, or face elimination in the tournament. “We will have our hands full when we face Romania on Monday, that is our immediate goal.”

U21 Press Release:
Pilipinas lose to Germany, 114-80

Germany proved to be too much for Team Pilipinas, giving them their worst loss of the tournament, 114-80.

Harry Broling led the charge of Die Mannschaft with 24 points, as Germany’s starters totally outclassed the Philippines in almost every major category. “I was expecting the game to be close; (it seems) I was wrong,” Coach Jeorge said after the game.

The 34-point loss places the Philippines in a precarious situation: They must win their last game against Romania, or face elimination in the tournament. “We will have our hands full when we face Romania on Monday, that is our immediate goal.”

Last edited by fpanzer10 at 5/15/2021 9:48:19 PM

U21 Press Release:
Pilipinas edges Romania, 94-81

Team Pilipinas snatched a key win in the final day of the elimination round, defeating Romania, 94-81. Erald Ruz led the Filipinos with 22 points and 7 boards. The win allowed Team Pilipinas to secure the last spot of the qualifiers before moving on the World Cup Final Pool, snuffing out Romania’s chances to advance.

Unofficial reports indicate the Romanian U21 Team does not want to return to Bucharest, in fear of facing the wrath of owners Bela, Cassandra, and Daniela Dimitrescu. Their mother, Alcina, is taking a hands off approach in running the team’s day to day operations. Lady Dimitrescu, once touted as the country's tallest player to ever grace the game, is said to be managing the family affairs in an undisclosed snowy village.

Advancing to the Final Pool means the Filipinos face an uphill battle in their succeeding matches, immediately facing the top two seeds of the tournament (Italy and Spain). “We hope to win at least two of our games, maybe that will be enough for us to advance in the semifinals,” Coach Jeorge said in via text message when asked for a comment.

U21 Update

We got smoked by a really solid team in Italy (World rank#1). We are now holding a 1-3 record in the World Cup final pool. The games don't get any easier with games against Spain (rank #2) and perennial Asian contenders China & Hong Kong coming up. Well, this is the WC's final pool, so no team is a push-over (including us, LOL!). Our boys are still ready to show up to compete on the world stage despite this humbling setback. Please keep the GS up for these big games coming up!

Pilipinas U21 Report:
Pilipinas narrowly lose to Spain, 83-75


Team Pilipinas showed a lot of heart against Spain, but trying to erase an 18-point lead entering the 4th quarter proved to be too much, losing the game 83-75.

In a battle of atrocious shooting, the team that goes to the line more has the better chance of winning. This is exactly what happened Monday night, when Spain shot 10 more free throws than the Philippines.

Interestingly enough, both squads did not do well in the foul line. “This game clearly shows we need to improve on our shooting. I am not sure how else we can improve, given we have two games left, and they are must win matches”, Coach Jeorge said after the game. “I really doubt we can make it to the next round, but we will push everything up to 11”.

The Philippines faces Hong Kong tomorrow, in a must win match.