MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas Youth survived its toughest challenge yet in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers.
After three straight blowout wins, the Philippines overcame a huge scare from erstwhile unbeaten Indonesia to remain the only undefeated team in the six-team tournament with a 77-68 escape at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in Pampanga on Wednesday, May 28.
In stark contrast to its first three matches, where it won by an average margin of 53.3 points, Gilas Youth was pushed to the limit by Indonesia as the Filipinos only managed to create a double-digit separation from the feisty Indonesians early in the third quarter.
After leading by only 4 points at halftime, 32-28, the Philippines came out with guns blazing in the third, opening the period on a 7-0 run for a 39-28 edge at the 8:19 mark of the quarter.
Gilas Youth then built its biggest lead of the contest in the early goings of the fourth quarter, 61-47, before Indonesia came roaring back, pulling within just 4 points, 65-61, with still 4:36 left to play.
Unfortunately for the Indonesians, Everaigne Cruz restored order for the Philippines with a booming triple in the next play, followed by a Carl delos Reyes jumper at the 3:29 mark to put the Filipinos ahead by 9, 70-61.
A late rally by Indonesia once again got them within two possessions, 74-68, but time was simply not on its side as Travis Pascual sealed the deal for the Philippines with three straight free throws to settle the final count at 77-68.
Prince Cariño showed the way for the LA Tenorio-coached Gilas Youth with 15 points and 6 rebounds, while Pascual still finished with 13 points despite going just 5-of-17 from the field.
Jolo Pascual added 12 points, while Delos Reyes and Cruz scored 10 apiece for the Philippines.
Gilas Youth spoiled the high-scoring performance of Indonesia’s Benjamin Hernusi, who went off for 23 points on 10-of-16 shooting.
Still perfect at 4-0, Gilas Youth takes on Malaysia in its final game of the elimination round on Thursday, May 29, at 7 pm, before the gold medal match on Friday, May 30.
The Scores
Philippines 77 – Cariño 15, Pascual T. 13, Pascual J. 12, Delos Reyes 10, Cruz 10, Hallare 5, Cabañero 4, Antolin 4, Lumague 4, Tan-Chi 0, Miranda0, Restificar 0.
Indonesia 68 – Hermusi 23, Naranatha 11, Yabe 10, Sutanto 6, Sebastian 6, Christiano 5, Hadiputra 4, Dhirendra 2, Gilbert 1, Al Hadi 0, Setiawan 0, Surya 0.
Quarters: 22-18, 32-28, 57-47, 77-68.
– Rappler.com
