NONTHABURI (FIBA U18 ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIP) - Sean Dave Ildefonso exploded for 11 points in the first quarter, setting up a cushion for the Philippines to be able to hold the lead up until the final buzzer. In a highly anticipated game between Lebanon and the Philippines, it was the Southeast Asian champions that came away with the victory 75-53.

Powered with their twin towers, AJ Edu and Kai Sotto, the Philippines dominated the paint and outrebounded Lebanon 68-41. The two anchored a formidable defense, locking their opponents to only 31.0% shooting by disrupting attempts with their lengthy arms.

On offense, it was Sean Dave Ildefonso that shined with 19 points. More importantly, it was his 4 three-pointers that came in timely moments to spread out the floor for the other players to operate.

Dalph Panopio made a grand debut for the national team with an all-around 12 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals. His presence was best illustrated by his team high plus-minus of 26 in this game. Whenever Panopio had to take a breather and got off the court, it seemed like the offense of the Philippines looked a little bit lost in those moments.



Lebanon was able to take advantage of a short spurt when Panopio was on the bench in the second quarter, when they cut a 10-point deficit down to only 2 points as the first half was nearing to an end. Panopio got back on the floor and helped set up two three-pointers by Ildefonso to blow the lead wide open once again and for good.

The Lebanese squad had some bright spots like youngest team member Yousef Khayat’s 9 rebounds, but ultimately they didn’t not have enough to match with the Philippines physicality.

The highly-touted tandem of Sotto and Edu combined for 29 points, 20 rebounds, and 6 blocks.

In their following games tomorrow, Lebanon faces China at 3:30 PM (GMT +7) and the Philippines plays UAE at 5:45 PM (GMT +7).

FIBA