CEBU, Philippines - The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers-manned Philippine team suffered its fourth straight loss, this time at the hands of Mongolia, 79-92, in the 27th Summer Universiade in Kazan, Russia.
But unlike in their first three assignments where they got thrashed by two-time defending champion Serbia, Romania, and Japan, the Green Lancers put up a good fight this time, even taking an early 6-0 lead behind the efforts of John Abad and Hernal 'Wowie' Escocio.
The Mongolians quickly wiped out the deficit using a 17-6 run, but UV-Phl countered with a 9-1 blitz to grab a three-point lead, 26-23, at the end of the first period.
The Green Lancers even made it 29-23 on a 3-pointer by Cris Perolino off an assist by Alfred Codilla, but thatt proved to their only bright moment as Mongolia launched a devastating 17-0 rally to suddenly take full control of the game with a 40-29 advantage.
After enjoying a 47-38 edge at halftime, the Mongolians toyed on the UV Lancers the rest of the way, posting a 12-point lead after three quarters, 67-55, and then neutralized the Pinoys' offense in the remainder of the match on the way to nail their first win the the tournament considered as the Olympics of the best university athletes all over the world. (FREEMAN)