PHL beats South Korea,

leads competition

By Adrian Stewart Co

After scoring an 89-82 win over South Korea last Tuesday in the 2019 William Jones Cup at the Changhua County gymnasium in Taiwan, Mighty Sports-Philippines became the only undefeated team in the tournament, topping the current standings.
After seeing their double-digit first half edge turn into a 70-62 deficit in the fourth period, the Philippines leaned on five straight points by Zach Graham and a triple by MacKenzie Moore to tie the score at 72-all. The Philippines, through Renaldo Balkman and Hamady N’Diaye, turned it into an 83-74 advantage with over two minutes left.
South Korea made their final push with consecutive triples and, with missed free throws from Balkman, they managed to narrow the gap to 87-82. However, two free throws by Moore extended the Philippines’ lead to seven.
Balkman finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal, and a block; while Moore scored 17 points; Graham added 16; and Eugene Phelps chipped in 14.
The Philippines next plays Indonesia tomorrow, July 19, at 1:00 p.m./ASC, WDJ