The Philippines' FIBA U-16's achievement

from the FIBA-Asia website. Photographer is Milad Payami

The Philippines just made history earlier tonight, in spite of their defeat.

Our Under-16 team battled, fought and willed their way against the formidable Chinese, who have never been defeated in their previous 25 games. Sure, they became victim number 26, and China remains the king of the Under-16 in the region, but they managed to do something that has never been done before.

They lost by just 7 points, 85-78.

China has dominated the U-16s, dusting off scores like 109-29 in 2009, 100-19 in 2011 and 100-48 in 2013. This is the first time in the tournament's history that they beat someone in single digits. All 25 wins previously were of double figures.

2009:

Prelims:

80 over Saudi Arabia
73 over Jordan
74 over India

2nd round:

47 vs Chinese-Taipei
70 vs Korea
50 vs Japan

Knockout:

19 vs Philippines
35 vs Korea

2011:

Prelims:

37 vs India
31 vs Chinese-Taipei
61 vs Malaysia

2nd Round:

43 vs Iraq
46 vs Lebanon
31 vs Korea

Knockout:

81 vs Saudi Arabia
39 vs Japan
40 vs Korea

2013:

Prelims:

34 vs Syria
52 vs Hong Kong
49 vs Bahrain

2nd Round:

67 vs Malaysia
26 vs Iran
12 vs Korea

Knockout:

27 vs Kazakhstan
21 vs Japan
7 vs Philippines


Regardless of their result in the final, they officially have secured a spot in the 2014 FIBA U-17 World Cup that is to take place in Dubai (with Japan securing the third and final Asian berth). Oddly enough, no team from the West Asian region made it save for the hosts UAE. Another milestone for Philippine basketball and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

Kudos to these group of youngsters, who will follow the footsteps of their elders as they move forward and challenge the best of the rest of the world.

4 - Diego Dario (UPIS)
5 - Matt Nieto (Ateneo de Manila HS)
6 - Enzo Navarro (San Sebastian College-Recoletos HS)
7 - Matt Nieto (Ateneo de Manila HS)
8 - Mikel Panlilio (Beacon)
9 - Arnie Padilla (Sacred Heart School - Ateneo de Cebu)
10 - Jolo Mendoza (Ateneo de Manila HS)
11 - Paul Desiderio (UP)
12 - Jolo Go (Hope Christian HS)
13 - Carlo Abadeza (LSGH)
14 - Richard Escoto (FEU-D)
15 - Mike dela Cruz (LSGH)

Head coach: Jamike Jarin

P.S. Interesting set of U-16 alums

This is the 2009 team:

4 Kiefer Ravena
5 Von Pessumal
6 Jeron Teng
7 Dan Sara
8 Kevin Ferrer
9 Joshua Alolino
10 Paolo Romero
11 Cedrick Labing-isa
12 Jeff Javillonar
13 Nestor Bantayan Jr.
14 Michael Pate
15 Mike Tolomia

This is the 2011 team:

4 Jay Alejandro
5 Jay Javelosa
6 Isaac Go
7 Tomas Ramos
8 Prince Rivero
9 Hubert Cani
10 Joshua Dalafu
11 Jess Diputado
12 Joshua Caracut
13 Kyles Lao
14 Henry Asilum
15 Jordan Heading