One of those situations where there are no good options. They probably did not intend to kill you but I bet they planned to really work you over.
You did about as well as was possible.
I don’t think they meant to kill me, but...a kick to the head or the face was on my mind, not getting killed!!! I recall protecting my nuts effectively via body posture and motion, and my arms around my head and face.
LOL, Every time I wonder how much they wanted to ‘work me over”, I remember they chased me. That’s a bad sign.