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Philippines take down Japan 73-66 for 3rd straight win

Xinhua, September 27, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Philippines outscored Japan 73-66 on Sunday to get the third straight win at 2015 FIBA Asia Championship.

Andray Blatche led five Philippines players to get double digits. He himself suffered right-ankle injury during the second quarter, but still took 18 points and 10 rebounds. Veteran forward Ranidel De Ocampo finished with 13. Jayson William and Terrence Romeo had 12 points each.

Philippines top scorer Blatche gave his team a quick start, hitting three straight shots to take an 8-2 lead. However, the Philippines shooting engine suddenly stopped in the later half of the second quarter. Japan, once 12-5 behind, dashed forward with a 13-2 run to finish the first quarter 18-14.

Blatche was injured in his ankle in the second quarter, and Japan took the chance to establish a 29-19 advantage. Philippines three pointers found back their rhythm, making a 10-0 spurt to tie the game. The final three minutes in the second period was close, and the two teams levelled to 33-33 until the Philippines made another basket to lead 35-33 into the second half.

Blatche started the second half but the injury stopped him from finishing the quarter. With Blatche on the bench, the Philippines switched the attacking focus to the small guys. Jayson William and Terrence Romeo took charge in turn, helping the Philippines move 48-41 ahead.

Japan did well in the final quarter, catching up until 64-64 with two minutes left, but the Philippines veteran Ranidel De Ocampo buried a crucial three pointer to give the South Eastern Asian team a lead of 67-64. Japan fought hard to move back into the game, but Blatche kept making basket, and the victory finally went to the Philippines.

Hiejima Makoto topped Japan with 17 points. Takeuchi Joji finished with 13 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. Endi