INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines?Team Philippines booked a semifinal ticket against powerhouse China Tuesday night after pouncing on an exhausted Jordan side, 60-45, in the Fiba Asia U16 Men?s Championship at the Bandaraya Stadium in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

?Advancing to the semifinals is already a big achievement,? said RP team coach Eric Altamirano, whose Nationals are seeking one of two available slots for the Fiba U17 World Championships in Hamburg, Germany, next year.

?We were hoping to face Korea instead of China, but it?s our fate. There must be a reason. We just have to work extra hard and do our best,? added Altamirano.

Skipper Kiefer Ravena, Von Pessumal and Dana Sara starred for the Nationals, who led, 54-31, after just a minute into the final period.

It was a fitting recovery from RP?s heartbreaker against the Iranians, who will face the Koreans in the other semifinal pairing.

?China is tough. They are mature and have the advantage in built and height,? said Altamirano. June Navarro

The scores:

PHILIPPINES 60?Ravena 13, Pessumal 10, Sara 10, Tolomia 8, Teng 7, Pate 4, Romero 4, Ferrer 2, Javillonar 2, Bantayan 0, Alolino 0.

JORDAN 45?Al-Ghzawi 18, Kanaan 10, Altaweel 7, Alshami 6, Al Dwairi 2, Al-Syouri 0, Alabbadi 0, Aljarar?ah 0, Abu Ali 0, Jabai 0, Alnaser 0.

Quarters: 17-8, 31-18, 48-29, 60-45