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Philippines shocks China
Written by staff   
Tuesday, 20 January 2009 08:37

Filipino-American Joey Deas and FEU guard Mark Barocca stood tallest in a game against a bigger and more experienced Chinese team to lead the Smart Pilipinas National Team to a close 76-72 victory and claim the title of the 1st China-Asean CBO Men’s Invitational Tournament before a packed brand new Pinggou Arena here.

Deas, a 5’10 point guard from Rockhurst University in Kansas who traces his roots in Cebu, and Barocca, a 5’9 native of Zamboanga City, combined for 37 points and made crucial baskets against their taller opponents to turn back a spirited rally by China from 15 points down in the 2nd half.

The win is the first international victory for the RP Developmental squad slated to play in the 2009 SEA Games in Laos, 2010 Asian Games in China and 2011 Fiba Asia Men’s Championship Qualifier for the London Olympics.

China with an average height of 6’6 out-rebounded the Philippines 44-33. But the RP team made up it with tenacious defense limiting China to only 2 of 15 shooting from 3 point range and forcing 14 turnovers.

The Filipinos also shot 48 percent from two point range and 15 of 21 from the line even though the Nationals were charged with 10 more fouls, 26-16.

Rajko Toroman, the Serbian Coach and Project Director of the National Team, who formed the young RP squad barely two-and-a-half weeks ago, expressed satisfaction with the win.

“It was a tough but definitely sweet victory. I challenged the boys to show their true character and they did. We did not expect to win right away so this is a very good start for our program,” Toroman stated.

“It is hard to play before a hostile crowd and under these conditions. But this victory is truly special. After all, it’s not every day that you win against China in their own turf,” SBP Executive Director Noli Eala said.

“We are happy for the progress of this young team. But there is still a lot of work ahead,” Eala added.

After taking a 41-27 advantage at the half, the Filipinos raised to their largest lead at 50-35 on a sleek running game and all court pressure defense.

But China, represented in the tournament by the Li Ning Basketball Team of Guangxi featuring 5 CBA All Stars, fought back through the efforts of their 6’10 center Gao Wei to trim the deficit mid way through the quarter, 50-43.

Deas kept the pressure scoring seven of his team high 19 points in the quarter to give the Filipinos a 58-47 lead at the end of the third.

Gao and 6’4 point guard Nong Jie led a big 9-0 rally for the home team at the start of the fourth to cut the lead to two, 58-56 with 7:16 remaining.

Deas answered with six straight points to raise the lead back up to eight, 64-56 before the Chinese fought back with an 11-4 run.

After Dylan Ababou scored with the shot clock expiring to give the RP 5 a 70-67 lead, Gao converted on a three point play off a foul by Filipino-American Greg Slaughter with 1:03 remaining to tie the score at 70 all.

Barocca then took charge.

Barocca scored on a crucial jumper to give the Philippines a 72-70 lead with 47 seconds to go.

After a split charity by Hu on a foul by Mac Baracael, the Chinese had a final chance to take the lead after a botched play by the RP 5.

But the Filipinos would not be denied as Ogie Menor stole the ball from Hu setting up a Barocca fastbreak to give the Smart RP squad a three-point lead 74-71 with 32 ticks remaining.

Gao scored another split free throw with 15 seconds remaining before Barocca was fouled for the final score.

Deas led the team with 19 points while Barocca had 18 points. Ababou scored 15 points while Slaughter had nine points, four blocks and four rebounds. China was led by Gao with 32 points, 11 boards and four assists.

BOX SCORES:

Pilipinas: 76 - Deas 19, Barocca 18, Ababou 15, Slaughter 9, Menor 6, Baracael 4, Cawaling 3, Theophile 2, Sison 0, Arellano 0.

China: 72 - Gao 32, Hu 15, Nong 9, Cui 6, Wei 6,Wang 4, Liao 0.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 20 January 2009 08:43
 
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