Philippine Sports News and Updates

Deas, a 5-10 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 the Chinese, who rallied from 15 points down in the second half.

It was the first international victory for the RP developmental squad, the core of which will banner the national team in the 2009 SEA Games in Laos, the 2010 Asian Games in China and 2011 FIBA Asia Men's Championship Qualifier for the London Olympics.

Barocca scored six straight points in the waning seconds, including a breakway layup and two charities, as RP closed out with a 6-2 run to shatter a 70-all count and repulse the hosts for the victory.

China, with an average height of 6-6, outrebounded the RP cagers 44-33 but the Filipinos made up for this with tenacious defense, limiting China to only two of 15 conversions from the three-point range and forcing 14 turnovers. The Filipinos also shot 48 percent from the perimeter and made 15 of 21 tries from the line.

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 said.

Playing before a partisan crowd and with its top local officials in attendance, China stormed to an early 6-0 lead. The RP squad, bankrolled by Smart and outfitted by Nike, countered with six straight points from Deas to tie the game early. Finding their bearings under chilly conditions, the Filipinos controlled the pace of the game to take a slim lead 18-14 after the opening quarter.

"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 said.

After taking a 41-27 lead at the half, the Filipinos raced to their biggest lead at 50-35 behind a sleek running game coupled with a resolute defense. But China, represented in the tournament by the Li Ning basketball team of Guangxi featuring five CBA All Stars, fought back behind 6-10 center Gao Wei to trim the deficit at 43-50.

Deas, however, kept the pressure, scoring seven of his team-high 19 points as RP took a 58-47 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Gao and 6-4 point guard Nong Jie led a big 9-0 rally for the home team as the Chinese pulled within, 56-58, with 7:16 remaining in the contest. Deas took charge again and scattered six unanswered points but the Chinese fought back with an 11-4 run behind the sweet shooting Hu Bin to trim the lead to 67-68.

Dylan Ababou then came through with a shot-clock beating jumper to give RP a 70-67 lead, but Gao converted on a three point play off a foul by Fil Am Greg Slaughter with 1:03 remaining to tie the count at 70.

Barocca, playing in his first international tournament, then stepped up and scored on a crucial jumper as the Philippines took another 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 flubbed offensive play by the Filipinos.

But Ogie Menor came through with a steal, setting up a fastbreak for Barocca, giving the Smart RP squad a 74-71 cushion with 32 seconds remaining. Gao then scored another split free throw in the last 15 seconds before Barocca was fouled for the final score.

Deas and Barocca led the team with 19 and 18 points, respectively, while Ababou tossed in 15 points and Slaughter had nine points, four shot blocks and four rebounds.