MANILA – Meralco Bolts-Philippines settled for fourth place in the 2018 FIBA Asia Champions Cup after losing to SK Knights of South Korea 87-91.
This finish was the Philippines’ best over the last seven editions, or since the Smart Gilas Pilipinas under then head coach Rajko Toroman landed on the same place in the 2011 edition.
After trailing at the end of the first quarter Tuesday night at Stadium 29 in Nonthaburi, Thailand, the Philippines made a strong showing in the second period for a 7-point edge, but the Koreans rallied back to regain a 46-38 halftime lead.
Korea were ahead by 11 points in the third canto when the Philippines’ Rommel Niño Canaleta found his shooting touch from the outside to chop the deficit 59-63 at the latter part of the quarter.
Early in the fourth period Korea distanced from the Philippines 73-65 via outside shooting. The Filipinos made their last push to cut the deficit 87-90.
The Koreans split from the free throw line in the next possession for a 91-87 lead. Allen Durham misfired in an outside attempt for the Bolts, allowing Korea to run away with the victory.
Diamond Stone led the Philippines with 32 points and 13 rebounds. Durham chipped in 21 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while Canaleta contributed 12 markers.
DaJuan Summers finished with 26 points, seven rebounds and four assists to lead the scoring for the SK Knights./PN
