JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia — The Nokia U-16 Team Pilipinas tightened up its defense at crunch time to beat Syria, 71-57, and boost its semis bid in the Fiba U-16 Men’s Championship Sunday at the Bandaraya Stadium here.

With skipper Kiefer Ravena struggling early, Xavier School’s Jeron Teng stepped up big time as the Philippine team completed another stirring come-from-behind win.

Teng delivered 16 points and seven rebounds while San Beda standout Dan Sara finally found his groove, chipping in 14 points, including a booming three-point shot in the final 2:47 that highlighted the Filipinos' vicious 23-4 late-game rally.

It was the second straight win for the Nationals in the quarters and fourth overall since the elims.

Ravena, who averaged 24 points in his first two games, had only 11 points while lanky big man Kevin Ferrer added 10 points on a perfect three-for-three from beyond the arc and five rebounds.

"I credit the boys, everybody stepped up, everybody played good defense, and everybody wanted to win,” coach Eric Altamirano said.

The scores:
Philippines 71 — Teng 16, Sara 14, Ravena 11, Ferrer 10, Pate 7, Pessumal 5, Romero 4, Javillonar 2, Tolomia 1, Alolino 1, Bantayan 0.
Syria 57 — Otabachi 20, Rahal 14, Trub 9, Beirakdar 5, Sijjieh 3, Obaysi 2, Baghajati 2, Basel 2, Abfouk 0, Tarakji 0, Al Zain 0, Akksahl 0.
Quarters: 16-16, 29-30, 45-44, 71-57.