Aussies end Batang Gilas’ dream run
Batang Gilas’ stellar run in the 2018
FIBA U18 Asian Championship came to a screeching halt at the hands of Australia, losing 77-43 on Friday at Stadium 29
in Thailand.
Australia used a decisive second quarter and outscored the Philippines, 30-8, to establish a 24-point advantage at halftime. The young national squad unfortunately never recovered and suffered their first defeat after winning their first four games.
It was a tough shooting night for Batang Gilas against the ninth ranked team in the world. AJ Edu had nine points and 10 rebounds but no Filipino player reached double-figures in scoring.
Gerry Abadiano had eight points on 2-for7 shooting while Dave Ildefonso and Dalph Panopio combined for nine points on 3-for-23 shooting. Gilas’ prized big man Kai Sotto tallied eight rebounds but was limited to just two points.
As a team, Batang Gilas shot a woeful 24 percent while Australia finished with a 42 percent shooting clip.
The Philippines were not able to capitalize its length and size against Australia. Despite the best efforts of the Gilas frontline, they were outrebounded 47-59. Australia also bullied its way to 54 points in the paint.
Center Samson Froling led Australia with 12 points and seven rebounds. Callum Dalton and Kody Stadium meanwhile tallied 10 points apiece.
Despite the loss, Batang Gilas already booked a slot at the 2019 U19 World Cup after its 67-52 victory over Bahrain last Thursday. The Philippines still has one more game in the Asian Championship when it faces China in a battle for third place on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. (PHL time).
THE SCORES:
AUSTRALIA 77 - Froling 12, Dalton 10, Stattman 10, Bowen 8, Gatbel 7, Lee 7, Robertson 7, Wigness 7, Leaupepe 6, Krause 3, Armstrong 0.
PHILIPPINES 43 Edu 9, Abadiano 8, Cortez 6, Torres 6, Ildefonso 5, Panopio 4, Oczon 3, Sotto 2, Amsali 0, Chiu 0, Lina 0, Ramirez 0.
Quarters: 14-12, 44-20, 60-28, 77-43.— ESPN5