Gilas Youth routs Malaysia to complete SEABA elims sweep ahead of finals

Gilas Pilipinas Youth completed a sweep of the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers elimination round after a 96-61 win against Malaysia on Thursday at the Bren Z. Guiao Sports Complex in Pampanga.

With the victory, the young squad went 5-0 ahead of the finals set on Friday.

The nationals went hot from the get-go as they outscored Malaysia, 28-12. By halftime, the Philippines already had a 55-29 advantage.

Malaysia tried to catch up in the third period as it trimmed the deficit to 22 with 4:02 left, but back-to-back baskets from Prince Cariño and Evaraigne Cruz handed the momentum anew to Batang Gilas. It was all Gilas then as they cruised to the victory.

Jeremiah Antolin waxed hot from the field as he made seven of his nine attempts to register 15 points to go with four rebounds, while Travis Pascual added his own 15 points. Cruz chipped in 14 points, while Prince Cariño registered a double-double of 13 points and 11 boards.

Cameron Jeremie Pagbe Tan had 16 points and seven boards to lead Malaysia which slipped to 2-3.

Gilas Youth will face no. 2 seed Indonesia in the finals. On Wednesday, the Philippines defeated Indonesia, 77-68.

Tournament recap:

• May 24: Philippines def. Vietnam, 113-62
• May 25: Philippines def. Thailand, 87-42
• May 26: Philippines def. Singapore, 101-37
• May 28: Philippines def. Indonesia, 77-68.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News