JONES CUP: RP BEATS JAPAN IN OVERTIME
Taipei, Taiwan, Sept. 3, 1998 - Alvin Patrimonio was the hero of the day when he sank a basket that pushed the RP-Japan game into overtime, then scored six point in the extension for a Philippine Centennial Team victory, 90-87, to cop the lead in Group B of the Jones Cup basketball tournament.
The score was 76-all as the teams went into overtime, then the Pinoy cagers made 14 points in the extra period to register their second win. They beat their first opponent, Saudi Arabia.
Hundreds of Filipino overseas workers watching the game burst into wild celebration at the Taipei Municipal Stadium after their basketball heroes posted the win in the tournament the country last won in 1986.
''I'm sending messages to other teams. You gotta fear us, you gotta come out and play your best games against us, you gotta feel a little tight when they come out to play us. A little nervous. That's what we want other teams to think about us,'' said RP coach Tim Cone.
It was a close game to the end. Japan came to within 85-86 with 1:03 remaining on free throws by Makoto Minamiyama and Weiss.
RP's next opponent is Thailand, before it winds up the eliminations Thursday against Costa Rica.
The top two teams each in Groups A and B enter the cross-over semifinals on Saturday with the winners battling it out in the finals Sunday.
The scores: -- Duremdes 22, Abarrientos 14, Patrimonio 12, Limpot 9, Espino 6, Lastimosa 6, Feihl 6, Meneses 4, Cariaso 3, Racela 2, Caidic 0. Halftime: 44-39
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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