Fil-Nigerian tows Phl to FIBA WC U-18 3x3

MANILA, Philippines -  The Philippines rode on 6-9 Fil-Nigerian AJ Edu as it trounced Poland, 20-14, and Turkmenistan, 21-14, Friday night to make a historic first quarterfinals appearance in the FIBA 3x3 Under-18 World Cup in Chengdu, China.

The 17-year-old Edu, making his first national team appearance after playing for the Bristol Flyers’ cadet team in the British Basketball League a couple of years ago, served as the anchor on both offense and defense as the Filipinos completed a 3-1 (win-loss) record to seal the second quarters slot in Pool A.

The Phl, which has Rhayyan Amsali, Juan Gomez de Liano and Encho Serrano as other members, thus arranged a round-of-eight showdown with Pool D top seed Belgium in today’s playoff matches.

The Filipinos split their first two outings after turning back Israel, 19-17, and falling to eventual Pool A top seed The Netherlands, 10-13, Thursday.

This was the very first time the Phl had made it past the group stages since the tournament was introduced five years ago.