The Gilas Cadets used two triples late in the game to upend Thailand in their toughest SEABA Stankovic Cup challenge yet, 66-65 on Thursday in Bangkok, Thailand.
Down 63-60, the Philippines converted two triples — one from Mike Tolomia and another from Kevin Ferrer — to take a 66-63 lead with just over a minute left.
Chitchai Ananti answered with a two-pointer with just 47 seconds left, but that was the final basket for either squad as the Gilas cadets escaped with a win to improve round out the elimination phase with a 4-0 record.
Ahead by just one, 49-48 entering the fourth quarter, the nationals used a 9-1 run to take a more comfortable cushion. Back to back baskets by Mac Belo made it 58-49 for the Philippines.
But the home team battled back. A Chanachon Klahan triple knotted the count at 58 apiece halfway in the final frame, before Nakorn Jaisanuk pushed Thailand ahead, 60-58.
Thailand was still ahead, 63-60 but committed back to back turnovers which allowed the Philippines to knock down two huge treys.
Troy Rosario led everyone with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Belo added 18 points and seven rebounds. Tolomia had nine points, while Ferrer contributed seven points.
Tolomia and Ferrer had missed 10 straight three-pointers before nailing the back to back long range shots. The Philippines as a team was only 25-for-98 from the field, and a horrid 3-for-37 from three-point area.
The Cadets will take a one day break before facing the same team in the Final on Saturday, May 28 at 7:00pm.
The Scores:
Philippines (66) – Rosario 20, Belo 18, Tolomia 9, Ferrer 7, Jalalon 6, Vosotros 4, Pogoy 2, Pessumal 0.
Thailand (65) – Ananti 14, Jaisanuk 12, Lakhan 10, Klahan 7, Lertmalaiporn 7, Chanthachon 6, P. Klahan 5, Ghogar 2, Darongpan 2, Samerjai 0, Sekteera 0.
Quarterscores: 21-12, 32-33, 49-48, 66-65.
FULL GAME VIDEO
Photo from MThai/Stankovic
