Gilas Pilipinas Boys stun Thailand to rule FIBA U18 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers 

Gilas Pilipinas Boys staged a huge fourth quarter to break away against host Thailand, 85-70, in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers on Sunday.

The Filipinos wasted an early double-digit lead, but got their act together in the payoff period to stun the home crowd and complete a tournament sweep.

Both the Philippines and Thailand will represent the region in the Asia Cup set in August.

Already enjoying a 13-point lead early in the game, the Gilas Boys suddenly lost steam in the third quarter as the Thais turned to Peerakan Wilairoj, whose back-to-back triples pulled his team within one point, 51-50. However, Chog Moral sparked a 12-7 run to close the frame as Gilas regained a 63-57 cushion.

The Gilas Boys then pulled away in the fourth with Patrick Pasinos hitting six straight points for a 74-63 lead before knocking down a step-back three-pointer to stretch their lead to 81-65 in the final 57 seconds.

Joaquin Tovera top-scored with 21 points while Pasinos and Ethan Aguas chipped in 13 markers each. Moral finished with 10 points alongside seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.

Lorenzo Ravazzini paced Thailand with a double-double effort of 15 points and 15 rebounds while Phurich Benjaariyakul and Ronnie Allsopp each churned out 13 markers.

—JKC, GMA News