PH stuns Chinese Taipei, faces China in FIBA-Asia U16 finals

MANILA, Philippines — Months after its senior counterpart’s heroic stand at FIBA-Asia, the Philippines’ youth squad did the same early Friday.

The Philippines stunned Chinese Taipei, 77-72, at Azadi Sports Complex in Iran, Tehran  to reach the finals of the Fiba-Asia Under 16 Championships against China, which had beaten Japan, according to FIBA Live Stats (https://t.co/kjLalqNUtY ).

And like the Spain-bound Smart Gilas Pilipinas for the Basketball World Cup, the youth team also qualified for the FIBA U17 Worlds in Dubai in 2014.

Ahead of the finals, the country is already assured of its best finish in the biennial tournament after being denied the bronze medal in the 2011 edition.

Jose Lorenzo Mendoza led the Filipinos’ valiant come-from-behind effort as they wiped off a 64-70 deficit midway the payoff period and took over in the clutch. He had 28 points and five rebounds.

Mike Nieto chipped in 17 points and 14 rebounds, while his brother Matthew Nieto added 11 points for the Philippines, which exacted revenge for its lone loss in the preliminary round.

China expelled Japan, 99-78, to return the title round.

The Philippines and China face off on Friday night in the same venue.