Gilas Youth absorbs 31-point loss to New Zealand in FIBA U16 Asia Cup

New Zealand proved too much for Gilas Pilipinas Youth as the Filipinos were dealt an 85-54 defeat on Tuesday in the 2025 FIBA U16 Asia Cup at the Buyant Ukhaa Sports Complex in Mongolia. 

The Filipinos made some runs late in the second period, but New Zealand refused to ease on the gas pedal en route to the 31-point victory that allowed them to sweep the pool play at 3-0. 

The Philippines, meanwhile, ended the group phase with a 1-2 card. That was good for third place in Group B and a spot in the qualification for the quarterfinal round, where Gilas will play Group A second-placer Bahrain.

Jhustin Hallare and Jhello Lumague were the bright spots for Gilas Youth with the former top-scoring with 13 points while the latter chipped in 11 markers, seven rebounds and a steal. 

The tandem, though, weren't able to counter the hot hands of New Zealand as Liam Anthony Keogh erupted for 17 points, four rebounds, and seven assists while Lawson Pryor and Marco Sula chimed in with 15 and 11 markers each. 

Gilas, though, managed to keep up with New Zealand early on with Hallare knocking down a corner triple off a pass from Jolo Pascual as they pulled within 11, 33-22, with 3:54 left in the second period. 

But New Zealand replied with a 9-4 run to end the first half enjoying a 42-26 cushion. 

Hallare and Lumague tried to spark a rally for the youthful Filipinos in the third, with the latter completing a three-point play, but they still trailed by 22 at the end of the period.

It was all New Zealand in the fourth with Brigham Hakaraia even sending his side to its biggest lead at 31 points in the final 2:30 of the frame, 82-51. 

New Zealand, which also blew out Indonesia and Chinese Taipei, outrebounded Gilas Youth with 61 boards against the 34 of the Philippines. They also had more assists with 24 dimes, compared to just 15 of Gilas.

New Zealand, the top team in Group B, will advance directly to the quarterfinals along with the #1 seeds of the other three groups.

Chinese Taipei, which defeated Indonesia later in the day, finished in second in Group B at 2-1 while Indonesia closed their campaign at 0-3.

The second and third seeds of each group will advance to the qualification round to play for a spot in the quarters.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News