Korea NT defeats Powerade Team Pilipinas, 69-56

Powerade-Team Pilipinas dropped its first game in the 25th FIBA-Asia men’s basketball championship on Saturday losing to a powerhouse Korea side, 69-56, for their final game in Group A.

The loss dropped Team Pilipinas to second in Group A, which was topped by Korea with a 3-0 mark. The Yeng Guiao-mentored RP 5 will next face Chinese-Taipei on Monday.

The Koreans led in the entire match enjoying double-digit leads in the first half.

Cyrus Baguio tried to spark a comeback putting Team Pilipinas within four, 40-36, 3:58 left in the third.

But Korea kept Philippines at bay scoring timely baskets in the final minutes of the third and midway in the fourth to secure its third win.

Yang Heejong paced the Koreans with 14 points while Oh Sekeun and Kim Minsoo added 11 markers apiece.

Baguio led the Philippines scoring with 16 points while big men Mick Pennisi and Asi Taulava combined for 16 markers.

Korea also shot 19-of-26 from the free throw line.