Philippine International School-Qatar earned itself a shot at history after advancing to the Mini World Cup Final following a 69-53 victory over GEMS American Academy Qatar, Wednesday at the QBF Indoor Hall in Al Gharrafa.
Just like in their quarterfinal conquest of Alandalus Private School, the Phoenix soared to a strong start although it wasn’t until the fourth quarter where they’d break away for good to eventually sweep their way into the Last Dance.
Now at 7-0, the crew will look to become the inaugural champions of the meet, which serves as a school-level simulation of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Qatar, when they face the Lebanese School for the gold on April 30.
Johann Rafael Buenafe led PISQ with 15 points as he was more assertive on the defensive end this time by racking up seven of the team’s 15 steals.
Cyrus Kyle Dungca supplied 12 points, four rebounds, and five assists, while Jophil Pacino came through with 10 points, three boards, and three dimes.
Pacino and Buenafe were crucial in the pullaway, joining forces with Gabriel Adonis for a massive rally toward a 60-44 lead entering the game’s final five minutes–all but sealing the victory as the opposition could no longer keep up.
In all fairness to GAAQ, they threatened during the third canto by knocking within just four, but Rhyss Marasigan and Cholo Militante paired up to give themselves some more breathing room, 50-40, entering the fourth.
Then came the strong surge, and the charges of Coach Arsenio Lacson would eventually celebrate at center court as their unbeaten run continued.
Youssef Abdelkader led GAAQ with 22 points and nine rebounds in the loss. Benjamin Campion was his lone backup with 16 points and 13 rebounds.
The Mini World Cup marks the first-ever edition of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa, organized under the supervision of FIBA, in collaboration with the Qatar Basketball Federation and the Qatar School Sports Association.
The competition, which began in November last year, forms an integral part of the Schools Olympic Program for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons, serving as a platform that merges athletic excellence with educational development.
