The Philippines rode behind Jimmy Alapag and Mark Caguioa in the final three minutes to scramble past defending champion USA, 72-67, last night in their opening match in the 29th William Jones Cup basketball tournament at the Sinjhuang Stadium in Taipei.

The 6-foot Caguioa, who plays for Ginebra San Miguel in the PBA, scored the final seven points as the Philippines blew hot and cold and hot again to rally for their first victory in the 10-team tournament.

Alapag drained a triple that was followed up by another trey from Caguioa to push the Filipinos, 65-59, with 2:04 remaining. The Ginebra guard then sealed the game with a backdoor lay-up and another twinner on the fastbreak with 25 seconds left. The Filipinos had their biggest lead at 39-31 at halftime as Alapag used his quickness to shred the defense with easy lay-ups in the second quarter but they groped for form in the third period and was limited to a point in the first seven minutes of the third quarter.

Only a Dondon Hontiveros triple kept it close, 46-45, heading into the final period. The Filipinos went 9-20 from beyond the arc.

The Americans, the winningest country in this tournament with 14 crowns, was represented by Athletes in Action. The Philippines has won the tournament three times.

Negrense cager James Yap, who is one of four reinforcements in the Philippine squad, did not suit up for the RP squad. *CPT

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