Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas survives BC Astana Kazakhstan
The Chooks-to-Go (CTG) Pilipinas had a wonderful start as they won their first game against the BC Astana of Kazakhstan with an impressive score of 73-65 to open the FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2017 held in Chenzhou, China, on Friday.
Isaiah Austin with a lay-up. Photo from FIBA.
It was a tough game for the Philippines as they were down by 11 points in the first half, but managed to turn the tables and bring the game in favor of them.
There was great effort for both teams as they consecutively exchanged points, but CTG ended the first quarter enjoying a 2-point lead, 21-19.
With Rustam Yergali’s 3-point shot in the second quarter, Kazakhstan was able to get their lead for the first time, and together with his team, they let the CTG suffer from an 11-point lead and ended the quarter with a score of 43-35.
The 2nd half of the game was the turning point for the CTG as they had a nice start and caught the lead and made it in favor of them with efforts from Kiefer Ravena, Jeric Teng, and Jett Manuel.
Astana suffered from an 8-point lead during the fourth quarter because of their consecutive turn overs, but their drought was ended by Justin Carter as he fired a three, cutting the lead to 65-60.
One of the highlights of the game was when LA Revilla—short in height—stole the ball from Rustam Murzagaliev with no hesitation, and scored.
Astana’s head coach, Ilas Papateodoru, was forced to call a time out as the game neared its closing but his team was under, 70-65.
CTG was able to fail Astana in executing their game plan, and so the game ended with their victory.
Ravena was hailed as the Player of the Game leading his team with 22 points, and 3 rebounds.
CTG’s import, Isaiah Austin, showed off an exemplary performance in his debut game as he was the key player in defending the team with his consecutive blocks.
The Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas will be defending against the Sarreyet Ramallah Palestine next, on Sept. 23.
Meanwhile, the BC Astana will try to get their first win against the Petrochimi Iran on the same day.
