THE ENERGEN Pilipinas national junior squad kept their spirits high and remained in contention for fifth place after they blasted Lebanon, 80-69, in the FIBA Asia Under-18 Championships in UlaanBaatar, Mongolia.
The Nationals bowed out of contention for the semifinals after they were defeated by South Korea, 77-90, in the quarterfinals last Friday night.
However, the team showed no ill effects from the loss and vented its ire on the Lebanon as it opened up an 11-point lead heading to the final canto after outscoring its opponents by eight, 20-12, in the third.
Next up for the Nationals will be Chinese Taipei.
Mario Bonleon led the way for the Nationals with 19 points while NCAA MVP Rey Nambatac added 12.
Skipper, J-Jay Alejandro added 10 points and six assists. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio