BATANG GILAS ROUTS NEW ZEALAND

The Philippines went out with a bang after finishing 13th out of 16 teams in the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup with a convincing 73-51 victory over New Zealand. The Philippines had an awful performance in the tournament that included two 40-point blowouts and five straight games lost. The Batang Gilas, however, finally logged its first win against Egypt and then its second against New Zealand. Kai Sotto had another huge game with a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds. He also had a steal and four blocks, while shooting 55.6 percent from the field. Terrence Fortea was the only other Filipino in double-digit scoring with 12. The Philippines led all the way, outscoring New Zealand in every quarter. The Batang Gilas led 16-12 after the opening period. The lead increased to 11 at halftime, 35-24. The Philippines dictated the pace of the game with another 19-12 quarter against New Zealand to lead 54-36 going into the final quarter and then cruised its way to a 22-point win. /