Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas opened their 2017 FIBA Asia Championship Cup campaign with a 73-65 win against BC Astana of Kazakhstan on Friday, September 22.
Kiefer Ravena led the Philippine team with 22 points. Naturalized player candidate Isaiah Austin did get off to a promising start by throwing up a double-double in his debut with 17 points and 18 rebounds plus 6 blocks.
After leading the first quarter, 21-19, Chooks-to-Go was dominated by Kazakhstanis in the second period with hot outside shooting.
Chooks-to-Go's defense took control in the second half and had a 22-12 run in the third quarter to take the lead for good.
The Philippines have a better 2-point percentage, shooting with 48.78% to Kazakhstan’s 33.33%, and a better free throw percentage, with 68.18% to Kazakhstan’s 55.56%.
BC Astana have a better 3-point percentage, shooting with 33.33% to Chooks-to-Go’s 26.09%. Kazakhs are better in rebounding, grabbing 47 (16 offensive) to Filipino’s 33.
In assists made, Philippines with 8 to Kazakhstan’s 15, while in turnovers committed, Chooks-to-Go with 9 to BC Astana’s 15.
Jett Manuel contributed 10 points in his first international game. Jeric Teng added 7 while Raymar Jose chipped in 6 points.
LA Revilla, who helped Philippines made crucial stops and baskets in the endgame, finished with 5 points and 4 assists.
Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas will face Sareyyet Ramallah of Palestine on Saturday, September 23 at 4:45pm.
Video HighlightsThe scores:
CHOOKS-TO-GO PILIPINAS 73 - Ravena 22, Austin 17, Manuel 10, Jeric Teng 7, Jose 6, Revilla 5, Cruz 2, Torres 2, Jeron Teng 1, Tamsi 1, Vosotros 0.
BC ASTANA 65 - Gavrilov 11, Clemmons 10, Carter 10, Degtyarev 8, Murzagaliyev 8, Zhigulin 8, Yergali 6, Marchuk 2, Kolesnikov 2, Chsherbak 0.
Quarters: 21-19, 35-43, 57-55, 73-65. Stats via FIBA.basketball.