Gilas Youth routs Kazakhstan, enters quarterfinals of FIBA U-16 Asian Championship

The Gilas Pilipinas Under-16 national team bounced back from a loss with a strong performance against Kazakhstan, 83-60, to book a seat in the quarterfinal round of the FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship on Thursday.

Five Filipino players finished in double figures, led by Lorenzo Competente's team-high 15 points built around 5-for-10 shooting from the field and 2-for-5 from three-point range.

Jacob Bayla tallied 13 points, nine rebounds, and six steals while Kristian Porter (12 points), Zain Mahmood (12), and Alexander Konov (11) all reached the double-digit mark in scoring as well.

The Philippine team waxed hot early as they raced out to a 26-17 lead in the first quarter and an 18-point advantage, 53-35, by halftime.

They cruised to the win, taking leads of as high as 26 points in the fourth period.

Awaiting the Gilas squad in the quarters, though, is a powerhouse in unbeaten Australia, which holds a perfect 3-0 record in Group A after blowout wins of 48 points, 77 points, and 47 points in games against India, Qatar, and Bahrain.

The scores:

Philippines 83 - Competente 15, Bayla 13, Porter 12, Mahmood 12, Konov 11, Gemao 7, Bahay 4, Harris 3, Jones 3, Nieto 2, Reyes 1, Romero 0.

Kazakhstan 60 - Severgin 24, Dyussenov 17, Kuantayev 10, Mukhazhanov 4, Maksot 3, Marat 2, Aitkulov 0, Yessimkhan 0, Muratuly 0, Samoilov 0, Khangereyev 0, Aukesh 0.

Quarters: 26-17, 53-35, 73-51, 83-60.

—JMB, GMA News