TIANJIN (FIBA Asia Championship) - With everything including their standing in Group E eight-final round confirmed even before the start of the game Philippines played their Wednesday’s game against Kuwait without any pressure. Yet the SEABA champions won 85-71 to head into the quarterfinals.
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Philippines with a 3-2 record finish No 3 in Group E – a position that was confirmed on Tuesday – and take on the second-placed team from Group F.
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Pauliasi Taulava played his longest game of the competition and justified it with a double-double.
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The Tongan born centre scored 12 points and collected 10 rebounds.
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Philippines took control of the proceedings early and cruised along allowing coach Joseller Guiao trying as many 11 players for at least 11 minutes each – resting regular centre Michael Pennisi for the game.
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Cyrus Baguio led Philippines’ scoring with 14 points.
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Rashed Alrabah and Mohammad Ashkanani both returned a game-high 20 each for Kuwait.
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S Mageshwaran
FIBA Asia
