体坛英语新闻：S. Korea rallys to clinch bronze at FIBA Asia Championship

WUHAN, China, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- South Korea survived a 13-point deficit to beat the Philippines 70-68, securing the bronze medal and a chance to compete at the London Olympic qualification tournament here on Sunday.

According to FIBA rules, the champion of the Wuhan event would get direct qualification to London, while the silver and bronze medalists were to play at a 12-team qualification tournament, fighting for another three places in 2012 Olympics.

The Philippines outrebounded South Korea 51-47, but made three more turnovers.

South Korean shooter Cho Sungmin topped the team with 20 points, including three decisive three pointers in the final quarter. Forward Moon Taejong pocketed 14 points.

South Korea was behind their opponents 36-47 at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Philippines managed to keep the lead until the last three minutes, but Cho and Moon's long range shots changed the result.

The Philippines still had a chance within the last minute, but Marcus Douthit failed to convert an offensive rebound to score with six seconds to time, spoiling the final chance to win the game.

The Philippines led for most part of the game, keeping South Korean shooters to make only three of their 17 three-point attempts in the first three quarters.

"We are so close to the qualification tournament," said Philippines coach Rajko Toroman. "But our mistakes let us down."

Philippine center Marcus Douthit collected game-high 27 points and 22 rebounds. Point guard Jim Alapag harvested 17 points.