Tall Chinese best gallant RP U-18 five

THE PHILIPPINES bowed to powerhouse China, 83-75, in their showdown for top Group C honors on Friday in the Asian Under 18 Basketball championship in Sana’a Yemen.   Raphael Banal led the Filipinos with 19 points but the taller and heftier Chinese dominated both boards, 41-29, en route to their third straight victory in the tournament.   The Filipinos, who finished with a 2-1 record in the eliminations, tackled the Chinese after earlier securing  their place in the second round with a 61-60 decision of Syria Thursday.   Kiefer Ravena, son of former PBA player Bong Ravena, had 12 points and four assists against the Chinese.   He scored the winning basket with 40 seconds remaining after the Nationals blew an 11-point lead with three minutes left to play.   Supported by a group of flag-waving Filipinos, the Southeast Asian champions debuted by crushing Saudi Arabia, 86-68, Wednesday.   The mighty Chinese routed the same Saudi Arabians, 115-60, before whipping Syria, 82-48.   RP coach Eric Altamirano said the nationals “have yet to get used to the high-altitude conditions, which was the primary reason why we couldn’t sustain our speed and the pressure.”   “But in the end I must say, after two games, we are ready for the second round,” Altamirano added.   Also shining for the Nationals against the Chinese were Russel Escoto, who contributed 10 points and Kevin Ferrer, who pulled down eight rebounds.
Against the game Syrians, Banal chipped in with 15 points and Escoto grabbed down 11 boards.