Gilas Pilipinas Boys advance to FIBA U18 Asia Cup quarterfinals

The Gilas Pilipinas Youth Men’s Team advanced to the FIBA U18 Asia Cup quarterfinals after defeating Syria, 72-63, in the qualification for the quarterfinals on Thursday in India.

After Syria took a slim 15-13 lead in the first quarter, the Gilas Boys U18 battled back to take a 32-31 lead at halftime.

The two teams continued to trade baskets in the third period, with Syria holding a 44-42 lead with 1:32 remaining in the frame. Gilas, however, closed the quarter with a 9-0 run to pull ahead, 51-44, heading into the fourth.

Syria cut the deficit to 51-49 early in the final frame, but Gilas responded with an 8-0 run sparked by a JB Cagurungan triple and capped by another trey from Andrew Xavier Chio. Eventually, the Philippines took a 59-49 lead with 7:04 remaining and never looked back.

Gilas held off the Syrians the rest of the way to secure the victory.

Green led the Philippines with 18 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Cagurungan added 12 points on four three-pointers. Bruce Tubongbanua chipped in 10 points.

Majak Awutiak Mathiang Majak led Syria with 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Taym Aldassouki scored 15 points and Yehia Kassas added 14.

The Philippines will face China in the quarterfinals.

—JKC, GMA News