TEAM PHILIPPINES is just one win away from the championship in the SEABA Under-16 title after it routed Thailand, 82-58, last Wednesday in Indonesia.
More importantly, the Philippine squad neared closer towards the right to represent the region in the Fiba Asia Under-16 Championships, which will be held later this year in Tehran, Iran.
Against Thailand, Richard Escoto led the one-sided rout with 16 points while Michael dela Cruz and Jolo Mendoza of Ateneo notched 15 each.
Also on the squad is Cebuano youngster Arnie Padilla, an ace of the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) juniors champions Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles. Padilla also happens to be the son of former PBA player Arnie Padilla. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio