Early scare fails to derail Italy

SONDRIO–The Philippine national team stayed close for three quarters but collapsed in the homestretch as Italy overcame an early 13-point deficit to win, 93-59, in the four-nation, three-day Selecta RP-Euro Basketball Challenge at the Palascieghi here Tuesday night.

In previous games, Latvia beat the Philippines, 79-54, Italy defeated Ukraine, 89-72, and Latvia upended Ukraine, 86-75. Tonight’s twinbill features Italy (2-0) versus Latvia (2-0) for the title and the Philippines (0-2) versus Ukraine (0-2) for third place.

The Filipinos got off to a hot start and caught Italy by surprise. Danny Seigle and Eric Menk staked the Philippines to an early 7-2 lead. Rodolfo Rombaldoni’s free throw cut the margin to a point before the Philippines ended the quarter on an 8-2 surge to erect a 21-14 advantage.

Italian coach Carlo Recalcati, who didn’t call a single timeout in the hosts’ 99-56 blowout over the Philippines in an exhibition game two days before, was aghast. He frantically sued for time after the Filipinos forced a 24-second shot clock violation midway the first period.

Asi Taulava and Dennis Espino conspired for six straight points to start the second stanza as the Philippines broke out to a 27-14 lead. Then, veteran Alex Righetti shot five straight points to trigger a 14-0 blast that pushed Italy on top for the first time, 28-27, with two minutes left in the half. Undaunted, the Filipinos fought back behind Olsen Racela, Taulava, and Jeffrey Cariaso to regain the driver’s seat, 33-30, at the turn.

After Menk scored to start the second half, Italy unloaded a 13-0 bomb that reversed the tide for good. Kenneth Duremdes buried a triple and added three free throws to push the Philippines within six, 45-51, but Italy chalked up five points in a row to end the third period on top, 56-45.

Sensing the Filipinos were running out of gas, Italy went for the jugular in the fourth quarter. Walter Santarossa, a 6-7 workhorse, suddenly caught fire and shot 11 of his 16 points in the final period. With little energy left, the Filipinos were easy prey for Italy’s relentless fullcourt press and conceded possession on 12 turnovers and 11 steals in the second half. Worse, the Philippines shot a miserable 21 percent from the field in the last two quarters and sent Italy to the line for 21 free throws, 32 for the game.

The Philippines’ most impressive showing in Italy so far was marred by a nightmarish windup. Consultant Paul Howard said the Filipinos just couldn’t sustain the energy to make the final count respectable.

At least, the Philippines outrebounded Italy, 38-34 (Taulava grabbed a game-high 14 boards), and gave the hosts a fright for 30 minutes. Coach Joseph Uichico said he was proud of his players’ effort against a bigger, quicker and superior squad. Still, he pointed out it takes 40 minutes, not three quarters, to win a game. Uichico said the national team’s learning experience here is invaluable in preparing for the war in Busan.