U-18 team bows to Taiwan, finishes 6th

Manila, Philippines -  Energen Pilipinas dropped an 85-89 loss to Chinese Taipei and ended up sixth in the 22nd FIBA Asia Under-18 Championship at the Buyant Ukhaa Arena in Ulan Bator, Mongolia yesterday.

Shih En Fan pounced on the undersized Phl frontcourt, which missed the services of injured Jay Javelosa, and scored 21 points, including seven from the foul line. He also pulled down 11 rebounds as the Taiwanese frustrated the Filipinos from matching their fifth place finish the last time out in Syria.

The win also avenged Taipei’s 83-88 defeat to the Phl in the second round last week where the Nationals exploited the Taiwanese’ collapse to snatch victory.