(Clock-wise from top left): Alexey Kurochka (KAZ), Janhubert Cani (PHI), Wael Arakji (LIB), Alfred Wong (HKG), Jan Misael Panagan (INA), Waheed Faqihi (KSA).

ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia (22nd FIBA Asia U18 Championship): Here’s a collection of quotes from players of various teams during the final day of Prelim Round of the competition.

Guard Alexey Kurochka (KAZ) on the team’s ouster from Prelim Round:

“I thought we gave it our best shot, but somehow we couldn’t pull ourselves together in fourth quarter beginning. That cost us the game.”

Guard Janhubert Cani (PHI) on the game against Iran (which Philippines lost):

“Obviously the height advantage or the disadvantage in our case was going to come to play at some point of time in the game. In a way, this defeat has prepared us well for the games in the quarterfinals and then on.”

Guard Wael Arakji (LIB) on the defeat to China

“Considering that we were never fancied to win the game, we did extremely well. Well their (China) team has been preparing and playing together for a long time. For sure we haven’t. But this game was a good lesson for all us. We hope to pick a few points and use them in our next games.”

Forward Waheed Faqihi (KSA) after turning a game-winning performance against Kazakhstan which took the team to the Second Round:

“It was a fantastic feeling to contribute to the team’s win. I am happy I played the way I did when the team needed me.”

Guard Jan Misael Panagan (INA) on the tough game and eventual loss to Mongolia (which however didn’t stop Indonesia from progressing):

“They came really hard at us and we got carried away playing their rhythm. We made a lot of mistakes in the early part of the game, but we improved as the game progressed. That’s why we cut down the difference.”

Guard Alfred Wong (HKG) after the defeat to India:

“We might have lost all the games here so far, but we have learnt a lot by playing against such good teams. We have another two games and we’ll learn from those as well.”

FIBA Asia