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Australia whips Batang Gilas, 77-43, in FIBA Asia U-18 semis


Australia turned the Philippines' dream run in the FIBA Under-18 Asian Championship into a nightmare with an 77-43 beatdown on Friday in the semifinals of the tournament in Thailand.

It was the smallest margin of victory for Australia in the tournament after winning by 75 points against Thailand, 65 points against Bahrain, and 49 points against New Zealand in the group stage, and by 36 points against Japan in the quarterfinals.

Despite the defeat, the Philippines is assured of a spot in next year's FIBA Under-19 World Championship.

Batang Gilas managed to keep in step with the U-18 Boomers early on, trailing by just a single basket, 14-12, in the first period.

But the floodgates opened for in the second quarter, which saw Australia outscore the Pinoy teens, 30-8, to take a commanding 44-20 halftime lead that held the rest of the way.

Batang Gilas has a chance to salvage a bronze medal on Saturday when it takes on China, which lost to New Zealand, 87-82, in the other semifinal bracket. —JST, GMA News

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