Phl U-16 finishes 2nd silver

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines surprised China with a performance to remember but came up short in the end, settling for the silver medal at the close of the third FIBA Asia U16 Championship in Tehran, Iran Friday night.

The Chinese were pushed to the wall but survived the Filipinos’ mighty challenge, 85-78, to extend their unbeaten reign in the tourney.

It was China’s 26th straight win and third title in as many editions of the Asian U16 competition.

But this one’s the toughest and closest with China winning by just a single-digit margin for the first time in the history of the event.

The Chinese were hardly challenged in their title runs in Johore Bahru, Malaysia in 2009 and Nha Thrang, Vietnam two years ago.

Before the match, the Chinese and the Filipinos were already assured of tickets to the next FIBA World U17 Championship set June 26 to July 6 in Dubai next year.

Japan grabbed the third and last slot allotted for the Asian region in whipping Chinese Taipei, 85-72.

The Philippines pulled off a come-from-behind 77-72 win over Chinese Taipei the previous night to make the finals, a big breakthrough following fourth-place finishes in the event’s first two editions.

Against the Chinese, the Filipinos failed to find a way to contain Zhao Yanhao, who sizzled with 25 points including four booming triples, and frontcourt duo of Fu Hao and Hu Jinqui, who combined for 34 points, 33 rebounds and five blocks.