Big third quarter helps Philippines rout Japan in FIBA Asia U16

The Philippines led for nearly the entire way against Japan, taking a 94-76 victory against their foes, Sunday at the Azadi Sport Complex in Tehran, Iran, in the 2013 FIBA Asia U16 Championship.

The win was the Philippines' second in Group F, giving them a 3-1 card after dispatching Jordan the previous day. That tied them with their erstwhile perfect foes Japan, leaving Chinese Taipei the sole undefeated side in their group.

Up by eight, 42-34 at the start of the third, the Philippines used a huge 36-19 explosion to put this one away, as they never led by less than 17 points in the final canto.

Team captain Mike Nieto paced his side with a double-double of 21 points and 12 rebounds. UP Fighting Maroon Paul Desiderio added 19 points, nine rebounds and three steals, while Jolo Mendoza fired in 15 markers.

Japan was led by Maki Hayato's 16 points on 6-of-14 shooting.

The Philippines clobbered their foes in points in the paint, 54-18. They also out-rebounded their foes 52-38. - AMD, GMA News