Powerade-Team Pilipinas humbles Australian Team.

Powerade-Team Pilipinas Skipper Asi Taulava (no. 8) tries to avoid
an altercation with Australia's Patrick Pilae.

The RP Team managed to pull-off an overwhelming victory over the visiting Aussie Team last Friday. The Filipinos had somehow managed to contend with the Australians despite the height advantage. But last night's game at the Araneta Coliseum was a different story altogether.

The Motolite-Goodwill games may be a friendly one but it was all business for both teams. Imports Tiras Wade and Shawn Daniels beefed up the Aussies' roster for some added firepower. It was a challenging task for Team Pilipinas as they held off the Australian team in an overtime win 91-86. For RP Team coach Yeng Guiao, it was a test on how the Philipines can contend with international teams:

“This series will be a point of discovery for us,” said national coach Yeng Guiao. “We will make our adjustments based on what we see in these tune-up games.

“We’re a little rough around the edges, considering our limited time together, but the competitive fire is there,” he added. “What we’ll learn here will help us win in the future.”

The PBA-backed Philippine team is being readied for at least three international tournaments starting in June—the Southeast Asian Basketball Association championship, the Jones Cup tournament, and the FIBA-Asia qualifying for the World Championships.

In the dying seconds of the 4th quarter, Kerby Raymundo's clutch jumpers forced the game in overtime. Giving the Australians a run for their money. Raymundo chalked up 24 points for the National Team while Arwind Santos took over and finished the extra period with 12 points.

Imports Tiras Wade led with 30 points and Graeme Dann chipped in with 19 for the Australians. 7-footer Patrick Pilae created problems for the Filipinos in the paint:

“I think he just wanted to fight everybody,” said RP skipper Asi Taulava, who had repeated scrapes with the well-built Samoan.

The PBA backed RP Team have proven they can go toe-to-toe with a big and physical Australian Team, suffice to say, the Nationals are ready to go into battle in the upcoming international games. It was indeed a learning experience for Team Pilipinas in the process. The real test perhaps for the Nationals' is the team chemistry and how consistent they are along the way. Adapting to the international style of play is another factor the RP team should consider. That I believe is where the consistency will come in. The transition from the professional game is no easy task.

It's a good confidence booster for Team Pilipinas but then again, more exhibition games are needed to help the team be more prepared before the SEABA (Southeast Asian Basketball Association) Championship in June. No guts, no glory as they say. Going up against a towering Australian Team is no joke, mind you. Bottomline is, two exhibition games is definitely not enough to toughen up the National Squad. Nevertheless, it was one hell of a basketball game.

Box Scores:

Powerade-Team Pilipinas - 93

Raymundo 24, Santos 12, Helterbrand 10, Reyes 9, Thoss 6, Norwood 6, Baguio 5, Dillinger 4, Yap 4, Pennisi 3, De Ocampo 2, Miller 2, Taulava 2

Hoopdreamz (Australia) - 89

Wade 30, Daniels 19, Lalic 11, Hyams 11, Veg 9, Susnjara 5, Dann 4, Pilae 0, Amir 0

Quarters: 23-14, 43-38, 60-67, 80-all, (OT) 93-89