Guerrero's huge double-double powers Philippines U21 to a win over Bosna i Hercegovina U21, books last second round ticket (81057)Oslo, Norway -- Before the games, there was uncertainty on the Bosnia U21 side. They haven't fielded a lineup in their previous two games. The reason wasn't revealed, but earlier, they decided to show up and make it difficult for Philippines U21 to make the second round. The audience wasn't disappointed as they were treated to a nailbiter, an overtime game that is.
Philippines U21 was in control in the first half, but they found themselves reeling after a huge third quarter by Bosnia U21, 76-87. Bosnia U21 went by as much as 16 points in the fourth quarter, but the resilient Filipinos caught up with their adversaries, and even tied the game at 99-all with 5 minutes remaining in regulation. The trio of
Boen Chong,
Cornelio Porminal and
Gabo Familar were making plays left and right in the waning minutes of the regulation with Familar making the most important trifecta at the buzzer, which forced an overtime.
In the end, the Filipinos prevailed, 130-126. This win gives them a seat in the second round of the competition. The Filipinos just needed to win this game to avoid complications. With Hungary U21 surprisingly winning by 15 points against Italy U21 earlier, a loss by the Philippines U21 would have relegated them to the #9-#16 classification round, and Hungary U21 will move on to the second round.
This game won't be this close and competitive for Philippines U21 if it weren't for the herculean effort of the 20-year-old big man,
Bill Guerrero, who outmuscled his way towards a huge 39-point, 16-rebound double-double. He was also scoring efficiently at an impressive 15 of 20 field goal shooting clip, and a perfect 3-3 from beyond the arc.
Cornelio Porminal contributed 27 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists, while
Boen Chong added 15 points to his name.
Benigno Sasabo continues to be Philippines U21's defensive pillar, hauling 17 rebounds and impressively swatting 8 shots.
Gabo Familar was 2 points shy of a triple double as he contributed 8 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists, including the clutch trey to give the Filipinos another chance to make the second round.
Danko Kampuš led Bosnia U21 in scoring with 22 points, while
Admir Sarija added 19 points and 7 assists. Bosnia U21's starting bigmen,
Laza Alečković and
Igor Šarić, both secured double-doubles for their team.
As for the second round, all teams won't get a clean slate to start with. They will start with a carry over standing, keeping their results against the other teams in their pool who also advanced. In the case of Philippines U21, they start at 0-3 because of their losses against Hong Kong U21, Italy U21 and Israel U21. Second round schedule is not yet released, but their opponents will be the advancing teams in the other pool, which are USA U21, China U21, Lithuania U21 and France U21. Each team plays 4 games. Top 4 teams make the U21 World Cup semifinals. Second round games will start next week, 9th of September.
This is a great time to support both National teams. Seniors team will also start their campaign in the second round. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
Points Leaders:Bill Guerrero - 39 points
Cornelio Porminal - 27 points
Boen Chong - 15 points
Rebounds Leaders:Benigno Sasabo - 17 rebounds
Bill Guerrero - 16 rebounds
Gabo Familar - 10 rebounds
Assists Leaders:Gabo Familar - 12 assists
Cornelio Porminal - 6 assists
Benigno Sasabo - 6 assists
- Leo