Canada-GIGG wielded the upset ax on Philippines-Cebu to score an inspiring 82-78 win and punch a ticket to the championship round of the Born 2006 division of the PSL Global Championship Challenge on Saturday at the Victoria Sports Club.
Ervin John Agua stepped up when needed and delivered 21 points and stole the ball six times in a soli all-around effort that energized the fourth-seeded Canada team in pulling off a stunner over the erstwhile undefeated Philippine quintet represented by players from University of San Jose Recolletos.
Jesse Quintos added 15 markers while Liorenzen Joachim Belen had another double-double game, finishing with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Canada will face the winner of Thailand-Traill International School and North America which is still being played as of press time.
It was an emotional moment for Canada and its supporters who flew to Manila to support the players.
Their travel was all worth it as the squad has a good chance of becoming the inaugural staging champion of the Born 2006 division.
Don Wayde Basadre and the rest of the members of Thailand-Traill Internation School are also headed to the championship round of the Born 2006 division where it battles Canada.
The young Filipinos based in Thailand walloped North America, 73-50, as Basadre reaffirmed his role as one of the tournament’s top all-around players.
In leading his team all the way to the championship round, Basadre knocked in 28 points, grabbed six rebounds and dished out five assists as he took matters into his own hands of ensuring Thailand’s entry to the finals where a rejuvenated Canada squad is waiting.
Chris John Lahoylahoy finished with a double-double performance of 18 points and 14 rebounds while Mikael Soriano contributed 15 markers for Thailand, which outscored North America in points in the paint, 46-22.
Thailand also beat North America in a foot race as our close Asian neighbor scored 20 fats break points compared to only four for the Fil-Americans.
