Batang Gilas sweeps way to SEABA U16 title
THE Philippine Under-16 basketball team notched its fourth straight Southeast Asian Basketball ( SEABA) title after beating Malaysia, 83-62, in their de facto finals game yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Both sporting 3- 0 records entering the contest, Batang Gilas Pilipinas saw its toughest battle in the five-day tournament in Malaysia, needing to dig deep to pull off the win.
The victory completed for the Philippines a sweep of the 2017 edition of the SEABA U16 tournament, the fourth title for the country after 2011, ‘ 13 and ‘ 15.
Employing a pressing defense, the Malaysian lads made the Philippine boys worked for their offense.
Malaysia stayed within striking distance of the Philippines, 22-15, in the first quarter and, 43-36, by halftime.
In the third period, Batang Gilas did a better job countering Malaysia’s defense.
Big guys Kai Sotto, Bismarck Lina and Raven Cortez pounded on their opponents down low to help establish control.
The Philippines finished the third period with a 13-point cushion, 65-52.
Finally got a firmer footing in the game, Batang Gilas put pedal to the metal in the fourth period.
It held Malaysia scoreless in the first five minutes while scoring 12 points of its own to lead, 7752, midway in the payoff quarter.
Malaysia went on a 10-2 run thereafter to cut its deficit to 17 points, 79- 62, but that was the closest it would get as Batang Gilas put its foot down for the closeout.
Sotto finished with 15 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks for Batang Gilas.
Terrence Fortea and RC Calimag also had 15 markers each while Lina and Cortez had 13 apiece.
Malaysia, meanwhile, was led by Teoh Yi Kang with 19 points.
“Malaysia gave us a good fight. We are expecting it though since it had a 3- 0 record like us. But we made the adjustments as the game progressed and used our strength which is our height advantage,” said Batang Gilas coach Michael Oliver of their win.
Retaining the SEABA title, the players expressed their excitement and delight.
“I’m so happy with this win and winning the title. We worked so hard for this for three months and to come out on top is an amazing feeling,” said Lina.
“This was a good experience and achievement for us as a group. We really worked for this and made the sacrifices and to see the result I could not be more happy,” Sotto, for his part, said.
Despite losing to the Philippines, by finishing second Malaysia still qualified for the FIBA Asia U16 Championship later this year, joining Batang Gilas in representing SEABA in the tournament.
Thailand finished third in the tournament, followed by Indonesia and Singapore.