Gilas Boys blow out Thailand to reach FIBA U18 Asia Cup playoffs

Gilas Pilipinas Boys overcame an early deficit before pulling away from Thailand, 91-62, thanks to a huge third quarter to close out their preliminary round run in the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup on Monday in India.

Gilas Boys stormed back from a 12-point first-quarter deficit and exploded for 31 points in the third while limiting Thailand to just six, breaking away for good to finish second in Group A with a 2-1 record.

With the win, Gilas advanced to the qualification playoff for a quarterfinals spot.

Luke Atacador emerged perfect from deep after shooting 3-of-3 from three-point range to finish with 16 points laced with four rebounds while Elias Gish and Chog Moral posted 13 and 12 markers as Gilas completed the come-from-behind win.

They initially found themselves struggling to convert in the first quarter as Thailand surged to a 20-8 lead after a Lorenzo Ravazzini jumper. The Thais ended the opening frame enjoying a 25-17 lead.

But the wards of head coach Juno Sauler slowly gained their momentum, knocking down four three-pointers in the second period to trail by only four at the halftime break, 40-44.

Gilas never looked back since then after pulling away with a massive third-quarter shooting spree, including two three-point plays and one triple from Gish that sent the Filipinos to a comfortable 65-50 cushion.

Atacador then buried two baskets from downtown to carry Gilas to a 79-50 advantage early in the fourth as George Green sank six of the last eight points for Gilas to close out the 29-point victory.

Gilas will return to action on Thursday in bid to book a spot in the Top 8.

—JMB, GMA News