Pagpupugay 1954: Mumar shines as Philippines outfoxes Canada in FIBA World

Editor's Note: #Pagpupugay1954 is a series paying tribute to the Philippine national basketball team to the 1954 FIBA World Championship, which featured the best-ever finish by an Asian team in any world basketball competition. On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the historic campaign, GMA News Online will release a series of stories following the exploits of the squad as if they were happening in real time.



1 November 1954

The Philippines moved closer to winning the bronze medal after outgunning Canada, 83-76, in the 1954 FIBA World Championship in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Team captain Lauro Mumar, nicknamed "The Fox" for his crafty ways with the basketball, led the high-scoring charge for the Philippines with 24 points. "The Big Difference" Caloy Loyzaga added 15 points, Rafael Barretto chipped in 14, while Antonio Genato contributed 12.

The balanced attack from the boys of coach Herminio "Herr" Silva helped repulse a Canada side that drew a whopping 37 points from Carl Ridd. But he got little help from the rest of his team, as no other player scored in twin digits for the North Americans.

The Philippines could clinch third place on November 3 with a win against France.

The scores:

Philippines (83) - Mumar 24, Loyzaga 15, Barretto 14, Genato 12, Rabat 6, Amador 5, Tolentino 5, Saldana 1, Manulat 1, Flores 0, Bautista 0.

Canada (76) - Ridd 37, Burkett 8, Delkers 8, Watts 6, Gresham 6, Olafson 5, M. Spack 4, Callis 2, A. Spack 0, Parobec 0.

Halftime: 41-35.