FIBA Basketball

    Australia exploit Philippines errors en route to victory

    FOSHAN (FIBA U16 Asia Championship) - Australia pounced on the Philippines' numerous errors on their way to an 82-52 win on Day 3 of the FIBA U16 Asia Championship.

    FOSHAN (FIBA U16 Asia Championship) - Australia pounced on the Philippines' numerous errors on their way to an 82-52 win on Day 3 of the FIBA U16 Asia Championship.

    The victory enabled the Crocs to punch their tickets straight through to the Quarter-Finals, while the Filipinos were relegated to the Play-Offs tomorrow. The match actually started in the Filipinos' favor as they led early in the first quarter before the Australians made some adjustments that helped them turn the tables on the Philippines. Australia led, 18-13, at the end of the first period and never looked back.

    Luke Travers impressed big time for Australia, recording 11 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists and 1 blocked shot. Kobe Williamson also did well, winning his duel in the paint with Philippines' behemoth Kai Sotto. Williamson, who gave up around 6 inches to the much taller Sotto, scored 14 points on 5-of-10 FG shooting along with 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Jay Rantall led the Crocs in scoring with 15 points.

    Coach Michael Oliver wanted to see sharper execution from his wards here, but they fell into their bad habits again reminiscent of how they played against Malaysia on Day 1. Australia's full-court trapping defense also rattled the Filipino guards, who stumbled into one mistake after another, totaling 26 turnovers by the game's end. Australia, of course, wasted no time pouncing on these mistakes, scoring 26 points off turnovers on top of emphatically winning the battle of the boards, 51-33.

    Sotto groped for form in this encounter, shooting 1-of-10 from the field though he did show improved free-throw shooting as he scored 9 points, mostly from the line. Mac Guadaña and RC Calimag were the ones who led the Philippines in scoring with 11 and 10 points respectively.

    As the second place team in Group B, the Philippines will play Hong Kong tomorrow for a Quarter-Finals slot, where await either Korea or Japan. Australia will take a breather tomorrow and await the winner of another Play-Off match in the Quarter-Finals.

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