MANILA – Meralco Bolts-Philippines suffered their second straight loss in the 2018 FIBA Asia Champions Cup after a 73-84 defeat to Alvark Tokyo of Japan on Friday at Stadium 29 in Nonthaburi, Thailand.
While they have a chance of making it to the semifinals, albeit slim, it will be easier said than done as the Philippines face defending champion Al-Riyadi of Lebanon on late Saturday.
Just like in their 92-100 loss to Mono Vampire of Thailand on Thursday, the Philippines got in the thick of the game in the third period but struggled with their shooting in the final quarter.
From a seesaw battle in the first three quarters, the Philippines managed to knot the count 60-all early in the final canto but Japan scored 6 straight points capped by Milko Bjelica’s freebies for a 66-60 advantage.
The Philippines hanged around after a basket from import Diamond Stone but Japan uncorked a 9-2 scoring run for a 75-66 lead with over three minutes left.
Allen Durham led the way with double-double 31 points and 12 rebounds while fellow reinforcement Stone chipped in 28 markers to go along with eight boards for the Philippines.
Bacolodnon center Reynel Hugnatan had the highest output among the locals with 6 markers while Baser Amer and Garvo Lanete combined for just 8.
Alex Kirk led the Japanese team with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Daiki Tanaka contributed 17 points, seven assists and five rebounds, while Genki Kojim chimed in 12 markers./PN
