Photo from Fiba.com
Chooks-to-go Pilipinas salvaged the fifth place in the Fiba Asia Champions Cup after fending off Mono Vampire Basketball Club, 89-79, Saturday at Chenzhou Sports Center in China.
Kiefer Ravena came up big in the clutch for the Philippine side after the Thai Club threatened a late comeback.
The Philippines had an 83-76 lead with 3:38 left in the game but Michael Singletary hit a quick three with just 10 seconds elapsed on the clock to cut the margin to four, 83-79.
Ravena then scored four straight points, a jumper and a couple of free throws, to hike Chooks-to-go’s lead to eight, 87-79 with 2:10 left.
The Philippines shrugged of a slow start against its fellow Southeast Asian foe after it fell 45-42 at the break.
A strong third quarter propelled Chooks-to-go to 66-57 lead after outscoring Mono Vampire, 24-12, in the penultimate period.
Isaiah Austin had 37 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists to lead the Philippines while Ravena had 18 points.
Singletary led Mono Vampire with 30 points and 12 boards.