PH youth U-18 bow out of Fiba-Asia after defeat to S. Korea

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine youth squad’s campaign in the 2012 Fiba-Asia Under 18 came to a halt in the quarterfinals Friday with a 77-90 setback in the hands of South Korea.

Energen Pilipinas succumbed to a more dominant South Korean side, as it was outplayed and outrebounded in the entire game.

The youth squad failed to advance to the semifinals of the tournament, which is a ticket to the Fiba Worlds, held in Ulan Bator, Mongolia and could only finish as best as fifth place.

UAAP juniors MVP Jerie Pingoy could not salvage Energen, scoring 19 points while South Korea’s leading scorer scattered 16 points and plucked 18 rebounds.

Rey Nambatac added 12 points and seven boards on a losing cause for the Philippines, who shot a 2-of-16 from downtown while getting sorely outscored in second chance opportunities.