RP-FedEx battles Russia for third

KAOHSIUNG County, Taiwan – Biboy Simon hit all of his four points in the final minute as the Philippines-FedEx team pulled off a pulsating come-from-behind 90-85 victory over Honduras to assure itself of the battle for third place in the 24th William Jones Cup at the Feng Sheng Stadium here Thursday night.

Simon’s triple with 59 seconds left sparked a key 7-0 windup that reversed an 83-85 deficit by the Filipinos en route to their fourth win in six games.

The Nationals shoot for their best finish in three years when they play a tall and dangerous Russian side at 6 p.m. today in the battle for third place.

The Centennial Team of Philippine Basketball Association professionals captured the prestigious Jones Cup trophy in 1998.

Korea upset Russia, 83-80, in the first game to advance to a winner-take-all championship against host Taiwan at 8 p.m. Honduras plays Canada in the battle for fifth place at 4 p.m.

"The boys are playing as if they have known each other for years," said coach Johny Tam who is assisted by Ching Ching Marcelino and Louie Cadang. "My praises go out to all of them, especially our youth players who have bleded well with the veterans."

Simon’s triple gave the Philippines the lead for good at 86-85 before Fil-American Chris Clay scored three charities off an intentional foul by Honduras. Simon pegged the final count with his own freebie.

Jeffrey Flowers topscored for RP with 29 points while Clay hit 24. But it was youth standout Ranidel de Ocampo’s brilliant playmaking on top of his 15 markers, that fueled the team in the stretch.

"The experience of playing against the world’s best is awesome. More so, if you’re with this team. We’re like one big happy family and I would like to thank coach Johny for the proper exposure," said Ranidel, brother of another amateur standout in Yancy de Ocampo.