AIS rebounds to draw with Philippines

The AIS fought back from a six-point defeat on Tuesday to draw with the Philippines national men’s team on Wednesday night, 73-73 at the AIS.

The Philippines’ Christopher Tiu led all scorers with 20 points while Anthony Drmic had 18 to lead the AIS and Cameron Bairstow was one rebound shy of a double-double with 13 points and nine boards.

After their Tuesday night loss the AIS made sure they got a way to a good start, leading the Philippines 19-11 at the first break.

The Philippines fought back in the second term, reducing the margin to just two points at halftime, 34-32.

The AIS got out to an eight-point lead midway through the third quarter before the Philippines staged a comeback and took a two-point lead into the final term, 53-52.

The Philippines carried the momentum into the fourth quarter and ran away to a seven-point lead midway through the term.

The AIS held tough and a Drmic 3-pointer with 15 seconds remaining level the scores and the Australians held off the Philippines last play.

The Philippines next take on the Canberra Gunners at Belconnen Basketball Stadium tonight from 6.00pm AEDT – you can head down to the game or follow it with LIVESTATS.

[Box Score]

AIS 73 (A Drmic 18, C Bairstow 13, O Odigie 10) drew with
PHILIPPINES 73 (H Tiu 20, C Slaughter 13, J Aguilar 12)
At AIS Training Hall

Tour Schedule:
(click on the games below for LIVE STATS)

Thursday 18 March: Philippines v Canberra Gunners – 6.00pm Belconnen Basketball Stadium, Canberra
Friday 19 March: Philippines v NSWIS – 7.00pm (game not open to public), Sydney
Sunday 21 March: Philippines v Sydney City – 3.00pm at Alexandria Basketball Stadium

Photo courtesy of FIBA.com