MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines climbed 11 notches in the world men’s basketball rankings following Gilas Pilipinas’ second-place finish in the FIBA Asia Championships last August. From 45th place, the Philippines is now ranked 34th in the world, ahead of 35th ranked Japan. The Philippines accumulated 22.8 points by beating Kazakhstan in the quarterfinals and South Korea in the semis of the qualifying tournament for the 2014 World Basketball Cup. Gilas eventually bowed to the taller Iranian squad which took the 2013 FIBA Asia crown. -- Mornings @ ANC, September 30, 2013