CLARK CITY (Philippines) - SJ Belangel emerged as the hero with the buzzer-beating game-winner for the Philippines as they beat Korea, 81-78, in a match that was as intense as advertised.

The rivalry was well emphasized heading into the matchup and the way that this game unraveled itself makes for another entertaining chapter.

The Asia Cup 2017 bronze medalists Korea came bursting out of the gates to a 21-12 first quarter, sparked by senior national team debutant Lee Hyun-Jung. The youngster scored 7 point of his 15 points in just the opening interval of the contest.

Despite the slow start, the Philippines never bowed down and fought their way back into the game after being down by as much as 17 points. It was Dwight Ramos who led the rally and tied the game up in the third quarter with fantastic plays. Ramos finished the game with 16 points and 5 rebounds.

The two teams then traded back and forth down the final three-minute stretch as the drama unfolded.

Korea built the lead up to five with less than three minutes to go off a Jeon SeongHyen three-pointer, seemingly putting them in the driver’s seat of the game. However, the Philippines chipped away at the lead free-throw by free-throw and eventually reclaimed the advantage on a layup by Belangel.

Gilas debutant Ange Kuoame then added on to make it an 8-0 run on a tough basket in the paint and was also awarded a free-throw for getting fouled on the shot. He’d miss the attempt at the line, leaving Korea trailing 3 points with 10 seconds to go.

Korea pushed the ball up the court and found Lee at the three-point line and the youngster pump-faked into a clutch three-pointer to tie the game with just two seconds left on the clock.

Just as the game seemed headed into overtime, SJ Belengel put up a prayer of a three-pointer at the buzzer that banked in to give the Philippines the win.

Belangel finished with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists, but none of the stats mattered as much as the last 3 points he recorded in the box score.

Korea’s Ra Guna had a monstrous stat line as expected with 24 points and 15 rebounds in 40 minutes of play, but he and the team will need to regroup ahead of the upcoming games which includes a rematch of this epic clash.

The Philippines improve to 4-0 with this victory, putting them in a good position to claim that direct qualification spot. Korea is now at 2-1, placed at second in Group A.

FIBA