RP girls earn playoff in Fiba-Asia under-18 cage meet

MANILA, Philippines – Raiza Rose Palmera scored 22 points to lead Xtreme RP Team to an 83-68 thrashing of host Indonesia in Saturday night’s game in the 19th FIBA Asia under-18 ladies championship. The win earned the RP girls the Level II silver medal that gave them a playoff berth in the elite division in the next edition of the biennial tournament. The Xtreme Magic Sing-backed RP Team needs to win against Level I fifth placer Malayasia in their playoff game. They are playing the Malaysians late Saturday. Perennial champion China and Japan were to fight for the crown also Saturday night. A win against the Malaysians would promote the RP girls to elite group in 2010 while a loss would keep the Nationals in Level II. However, injuries by Fria Bernardo and Angelica Ortega worries RP coach Raymond Celis as the Nationals will face a tall Malaysian team. Still, Celis remains optimistic on the RP five’s chances as he did not rule out an upset. Celis’ wards, after all, overcame tough challenges to finish second behind Kazakhstan in Level II play and eighth overall behind Level I teams China, Japan, Korea, Chinese Taipei, Malaysia and India The silver medal finish is the highest the Philippines achieved in the biennial tournament since placing third during the 1978 edition in Manila. Kat Sandel scored 19 points and grabbed 17 rebounds to support Palmera’s game-long brilliance for the Philippines, which finished with a 4-1 record. Cindy Resultay and Agatha Marie Estrero added 14 and 11 more for the RP girls. Kazakhstan completed a five-game sweep to claim the Level II gold and the first playoff berth in the elite group and will next face India. Thailand came in third with a 3-2 slate followed by Indonesia (2-3), Hong Kong (1-4) and Singapore (0-5). – GMANews.TV