Taiwan hands RP five second bitter loss

TAIPEI - Powerade Team Pilipinas continued to grope for form and suffered a second straight defeat at the hands of Taiwan Team A in the 31st William Jones Cup basketball competition at the Hsinchuang Gymnasium here last night.

The hosts, quarterfinalists in the 2007 FIBA-Asia championship in Tokushima, Japan, displayed sleek shooting, firing 14 three-pointers to pull off an 86-77 win over the struggling RP squad.

The Taiwanese bombed away 11 triples as they pounced on the Filipinos’ shaky defense in the first half, taking control early before weathering an RP team rally for a second straight win following a three-point triumph over Japan Saturday.

For Powerade-RP, it’s another learning experience and another wake-up call following the 31-point blowout by Jordan on opening day.

The Taiwanese made the Filipinos pay a price for their flat start.

The hosts scored the first 12 points of the contest, raced to an 18-point lead at 38-19 and showed poise and confidence in overcoming an RP team chase in the second half.

“We had a chance to win the game coming from 19 points down. We’re able to tie the game but we didn’t get the breaks in the end,” rued RP team coach Yeng Guiao.

“The game showed we have a problem with the officiating. It’s far different from the FIBA calls we’re used to in the Philippines. We’re confused. But if that’s the way it’s called, then we have to adjust,” Guiao added.

“Overall, our performance tonight was a big improvement from last night (against Jordan). The good part about it was that the boys put up a real good fight in the third and fourth quarters.”

The Filipinos waged a fierce comeback, pulling even thrice midway through the fourth quarter before sputtering again at the finish.

Kerby Raymundo buried two free throws to tie the count, 72-all, for the last time then the Taiwanese answered with an 11-to-nothing run to finish off the Filipinos.

Tien Lei converted four of six three-point attempts, the last capping their decisive endgame spurt.

Curiously, Tien alone beat the entire RP team in three-point shooting as, for the second straight night, the Filipinos could only make three treys.

The Nationals struggled on outside shots with their best shooters -- Mick Pennisi, Ryan Reyes and Jayjay Helterbrand -- out with injuries.

Earlier, Lebanon and South Korea notched second straight wins while reigning Fiba-Asia championship titlist Iran debuted with flourish.

Lebanon, with another highly productive performance from main man Fadih El-Khatib, drubbed Japan, 90-81, while Korea overcame a tough challenge by Taiwan-B, 101-93.