RP cagers bow to Taiwanese

Taiwan, Kaohsiung County- The Philippine team succumbed to Chinese Taipei’s furious finishing kick and dropped a heartbreaking 79-84 decision in the 24th William Jones Cup at the Feng Sheng Stadium here Saturday night.

After a mighty 82-72 upset of the Canadians on opening day, the Filipinos failed to score what could have been a smashing followup.

The Philippines led, 76-73, in the final two minutes but coach Johny Tam’s wards did not have an answer to Taiwanese hotshot Yu Ming Yang, who banged in five points highlighted by a triple in a 11-3 windup to secure the win for the hosts.

"It was a very close game up to the last minute, that’s why I’m very proud of the boys, especially Chris (Clay) and Ranidel (De Ocampo) who played exceptionally well," said team manager Jojo Lavina.

Clay topscored for 34 points while De Ocampo, younger brother of RP Youth standout Yancy, hit 21.

As of presstime, the RP team was playing Mongolia, a tall and bulky team considered to be the darkhouse of the eight-team tournament held in honor of FIBA’s first secretary general. Mongolia is where Chinese national team standouts Menk Batere and Adiljan came from.

Also with team are manager Efren Lavina, assistanct coaches Ching Ching Marcelino and Luis Cadang, physicla therapist Graciela Baustista and liaison offiver Isabelo Romero.