Batang Gilas outplays Bahrain, secures FIBA U-19 World Cup ticket
BATANG Gilas banked on a solid second half led by Kai Sotto to blast Bahrain, 67-52, and secure a semifinals ticket in the 2018 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Under-18 Asian Championship at the Stadium 29 in Nonthaburi, Thailand on Thursday.
Sotto, the 7’1 center, produced 10 of his 21 points in the third period on top of his 10 rebounds and three blocks, helping Batang Gilas to qualify also for the FIBA U-19 World Championship for the first time in 39 years. The last time the Philippines participated in the U-19 World Cup was in 1979 in Brazil.
“Batang Gilas earns a spot in the World Cup! They play semis tomorrow vs winner between Australia-Japan. The SBP is proud of our team. A strong commitment to our grassroots programs,” posted by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Al Panlilio through his twitter account @APan9.
The Filipinos led in the first quarter, 20-11, but Bahrain retaliated in the second with a 6-23 surge for a 26-34 lead at the half.
Batang Gilas overcame the deficit to regain the lead, 41-36, enroute to a 15-2 run late in the third quarter highlighted by Miguel Oczon’s three-pointer.
The Philippines dropped a 19-7 bomb in the final canto, crushing all hopes of a comeback for Bahrain.
AJ Edu, another 6’10 player, sizzled with 16 points, 17 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks, while Oczon contributed 10 points also for the Batang Gilas.
Rashed Awadh and Baqer Ali scored 13 points apiece to lead Bahrain.
Batang Gilas, undefeated in four games, will wait for the quarterfinal winner between Australia and Japan to determine which team it will face in the semifinals.
All semifinalists will go to the FIBA U-19 World Championship.
Scores:
Philippines 67 – Sotto 21, Edu 16, Oczon 10, Ildefonso 6, Panopio 4, Abadiano 3, Ramirez 3, Cortez 2, Amsali 2, Torres 0, Lina 0, Chiu 0
Bahrain 52 – Ali R 13, Awadh 13, Rashed M 11, Rashed A 7, Hamoda 2, Aboukuora 2, Kadhem 2, Dindayneh 2, Nawaf 0, Alrowaila 0, Ali A 0, Koohiji 0
Quarterscores: 20-11, 26-34, 48-45, 67-52
JOSEF T. RAMOS
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