RP topples Iran for U-16 crown

MANILA, Philippines - The Nokia Pilipinas under-16 national team overpowered Islamic Republic of Iran, 77-57, to capture the second Nokia Pilipinas Youth Invitational Basketball Championship crown at the University of San Carlos main gym in Cebu City last Sunday.

The Filipinos ran their taller rivals to the ground with a sleek running game as they seized control early en route to the victory that primed up the squad for the first Fiba-Asia Championship for 16 and under beginning Nov. 19 in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

“I am proud of the boys. I believe this win will boost their morale going to the Fiba-Asia tournament in Malaysia,” said Team Pilipinas head coach Eric Altamirano.

The Philippines swept the elims, beating Japan, 77-59, and Chinese-Taipei, 87-55, before rallying from 16-points down to beat Iran, 89-83.

In the finals, the RP cagers posted a 23-9 lead in the first 10 minutes then sat on a 41-21 cushion at the turn. The Iranians, scoring eight unanswered points in the third period, cut the lead to 34-48 but failed to sustain their run in the fourth, hampered by poor foul throw shooting where they missed seven straight.