JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia — The Nokia U-16 Team Pilipinas clobbered Jordan, 60-45, to clinch a semis berth in the Fiba-Asia U-16 Men’s Championship last Tuesday at the Bandaraya Stadium here.

Putting their 76-70 loss to Iran the other day behind, the Nationals rode on a fiery start though the effort of Kiefer Ravena and wore down the Jordanians with their pesky defense to advance to the next round.

The Nationals, however, need an extraordinary effort to advance to the finals since they will be facing heavyweight China today.

The winner in the RP-China showdown collides the victor between Iran and Korea.

The finalists will earn berths to the 2010 Fiba World U-17 Men’s Championship in Hamburg, Germany.

“Advancing to the semifinals is already a big achievement,” said Team Pilipinas mentor Eric Altamirano. “We’re hoping to face Korea instead of China. But it’s our fate. There must be a reason. We just have to work extra hard and do our best.”

“China is tough. They are giants. They know how to play, they are mature in their built and in their game. They will be a tough team to beat, that’s for sure,” added Altamirano.

The Nationals opened the game with a 13-0 run that helped them take a 54-31 lead which protected valiantly to frustrate the Jordanians.

The scores:
PHILIPPINES 60 – Ravena 13, Pessumal 10, Sara 10, Tolomia 8, Teng 7, Pate 4, Romero 4, Ferrer 2, Javillonar 2, Bantayan 0, Alolino 0.
JORDAN 45 – Al-Ghzawi 18, Kanaan 10, Altaweel 7, Alshami 6, Al Dwairi 2, Al-Syouri 0, Alabbadi 0, Aljarar’ah 0, Abu Ali 0, Jabai 0, Alnaser 0.
Quarters: 17-8, 31-18, 48-29, 60-45