Asian Games: Philippines nears 5th place, routs Japan

The Philippines moved closer to a fifth-place finish in men’s basketball after dumping Japan, 113-80, in the classification phase Friday of the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.

Despite missing out on the podium, the Filipinos are assured of a better finish in this year’s edition of the continental meet after wounding up at seventh, the worst in history, in the 2014 Incheon Games.

They battle for the fifth place on Friday with the opponent yet to be determined.

The Nationals broke the game wide open in the third, turning a slim three-point advantage into a 21-point lead after an 18-to-nothing run.

Christian Standhardinger poured 27 points and 13 rebounds for the Philippines while Jordan Clarkson added 22 points, six rebounds and nine assists.