2002 Busan, Asian Games : South Korea nips Philippines 69-68 in heartbreak fashion

2001, Ron Jacobs was assigned to lead the RP team in 2002 Busan Asian Games. A respected coach in the 80s bring back titles in the 80s. but unfortunately he suffered a stroke, the leadership was relegated to his assistant Jong Uichico who was a capable coach.

Since at that time Fil-foreigners we coming in the PBA, so the selections was a combination of both fil-foreigns and home grown talents with able backing from PBA as height and level of play were increased. But small forward starter Danny Seigle had an serious injury that cannot be healed in time 

In the Group C elimination, we swept our two assignments then proceeded to quarterfinals from our 3 games we lost to China as expected and planned to setup a semis clash with South Korea

in the crossover semis

Everybody was glued on TV or radio in monitoring the game,

With the Philippines up two, Olsen Racela was unable to hit two free throws that would have sealed a semifinal win before a hostile home crowd. Instead, Korea celebrated seconds later when Lee Sang Min hit a buzzer-beating three to send the hosts to the gold-medal match against China.

The defeat relegated the Philippines to a bronze-medal match against Kazakhstan the following day. But Taulava said the Korea defeat was so deflating they completely lost focus, not knowing they still have a game to play.

From Sports Weekly 2002, Wilkepedia, BASKETBALL ALMANAC

Line-up

Noy Castillo
Olsen Racela
Dondon Hontiveros
Dennis Espino
Mick Pennisi
Eric Menk
Danny Ildefonso
Andy Seigle
Jeffrey Cariaso
Rudy Hatfield
Asi Taulava
Kenneth Duremdes

Game results

Group C Elimination

Philippines 81–56 United Arab Emirates
North Korea 63–89 Philippines

Quarterfinals
Philippines 79–74 Japan
Chinese Taipe 69–83 Philippines
China 92–51 Philippines

Semis

South Korea  69–68  Philippines

3-4th place

Philippines 66–68  Kazakhstan

1st place South Korea
2nd place  China
3rd place Kazakhstan
4th place Philippines