Careline-RP five bows to Indonesia

MANILA, Philippines - Careline-Pilipinas succumbed to a taller and heftier Indonesian squad, dropping a 69-88 loss in the ASEAN School Games Friday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Nationals struggled early and the Indonesians took full advantage of to complete a two-game sweep of their division.

“Their (Indonesian) big players defended well and they shot impressively from afar,” said RP coach Patrick Garcia. “Unlike our team, the Indons appear more mature.”

Despite the loss, the Nationals, backed by Ever Bilena Cosmetics Inc. headed by former PBL chairman Dioceldo Sy, still advanced to the crossover semifinals against Thailand, which topped the other group in the six-nation tournament.

The other semis pairing pits Indonesia against the host nation.

Danica Jose fired 14 points and hauled down 14 rebounds while Kitkat Nitorreda and Tere Aseron chipped in eight points apiece.