Batang Gilas stuns Japan

RC Calimag scored on a lay-up with 2.3 seconds left as Batang Gilas outlasted Japan in a cardiac finish, 72-70, yesterday to book a ticket to this year’s FIBA Basketball World Cup Under-17 Championships in Argentina.

Center Kai Sotto pumped in 28 points and 21 rebounds on top of three blocks and as many assists but it was Calimag who delivered the marginal bucket that enabled the Filipinos avert a monumental collapse in the face of the Japanese’ fightback.

With the result hanging in the balance, the Filipinos nearly came up dry on their final offensive attack before Calimag squeezed himself through a crowded lane for the game-clinching bucket that essentially ended the Japanese’ impressive run in the 2018 FIBA Asia Under-16 championships.

Touted American-Japanese Chikara Tanaka spearheaded the Japanese’ late charge as he singlehandedly scored their last 11 points, including a booming triple that tied things up at 70-apiece with 26.4 seconds to play.

Batang Gilas coach Mike Oliver sued for time and mapped out a play intended for Sotto, but was well-read by the Japanese defense. Good thing for Oliver, Calimag had the presence of mind to attack the lane just before their shot clock expired. —