NHA TRANG, Vietnam - The Energen Pilipinas U-16 team blasted Saudi Arabia, 100-42, to clinch at least the No. 2 spot in Group F of the FIBA Asia U-16 Championship at the Khanh Hoa Sports Center here.

With more emphasis on ball movement and outside shooting, the Filipino cagers of coach Olsen Racela ran roughshod over the Saudis to hike their win-loss record to 4-0 heading into tomorrow's big match with Japan.

The match with Japan, which totes a similar 4-0 record following a 77-46 win over Indonesia, will be a crucial one as the winner of that contest will secure the top spot in Group F and will earn the right to face the No. 4 team in Group E in the quarterfinals slated on Wednesday.

Prince Rivero had 17 points while Fil-Aussie Jordan Heading added 15 for the Nationals, who weathered off the bruising Saudi squad that failed to capitalize on its height advantage.