PH scores twin wins over Indonesia in 2K
The Philippines proved its basketball superiority over Indonesia, even in the world of virtual reality. Posting a pair of convincing wins Friday over their Southeast Asian neighbor, the national esports team was able to start off its campaign on a high note in the FIBA Esports Open, an online tournament using the popular video game NBA2K.
The Filipino gamers opened the tourney with a 56-29 over the Indonesians before hammering a 64-30 triumph in the second game.
Aljon “Shintarou” Cruzin dropped 22 points as well as three rebounds and seven assists in the first match, then collected 23 markers with one rebound and four dimes in the second game.
The two teams face off three more times, twice at presstime and one tomorrow using four five-minute quarters.
Each team consists of seven players with five to play. Games will be played remotely on NBA 2K using the Pro-Am mode and allowing full customization of player avatars, uniforms and arena designs.
Dubbed the “Dream Team” following four consecutive NBA2K Asia Pacific championships from 2016 to 2019, the seven-man team lived up to its lofty billing the way it won against Indonesia.
Cruzin, Philippe “Izzo” Alcaraz, Rocky “Rak” Braña, Clark Banzon, Al “Alt” Timajo, Custer “Aguila” Galas and Rial Polog Jr. proved to be too much with their defense and outside shooting.
Produced by the brand-new FIBA Esports Studio in Riga, Latvia, the exhibition tournament is FIBA’s way to further grow the sport globally by partnering with esports via NBA2K.
No team will be proclaimed as champion even if 17 teams are in the event.
Aside from the Philippines and Indonesia, also in the event are Italy, Australia, Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Cyprus, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, New Zealand, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Switzerland and Ukraine.
The games are live streamed on FIBA’s Facebook, Twitch and YouTube channels with live commentary.