The Philippines has bounced back from the tough loss against long-time tormentor South Korea in the Asian Games.
The Philippine men’s basketball team dismantled Japan, 113-80, Tuesday at the Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex
Christian Standhardinger and Jordan Clarkson paved the way for the Philippines with 27 points and 22 points, respectively.
Down by six points early in the match, the Japanese relied on their shooters to climb back and tie the score at the end of the opening period.
It was a nip-and-tuck-affair as both squads engaged in a high-octance open court duel, with the Philippines managing to carve a 57-47 advantage at the halftime break.
Fatigue began to take its toll on the undermanned Japan which only played with eight players, as the Philippines pushed the tempo and pulled away in the third period.
Japan sent four of its players home for spending a night with women in a Jakarta hotel after their game against Qatar in the preliminary round.
This victory marked the first for Filipino-American Clarkson with the national squad.
Paul Lee added 17 points for the Philippines who is assured of a better finish from the previous Asian Games.
The national team will face the winner between Syria and Indonesia for the battle for the fifth spot.
Taichi Nakamura paced Japan with 16 markers and 11 dimes.