BATANG Gilas got back on track after an opening defeat, bringing down Iraq, 96-79, on Saturday in the Fiba Asia Under-18 Championship in Tehran, Iran.
Jolo Mendoza led the way with 25 points as Batang Gilas atoned for a loss to Chinese Taipei on Friday.
The Filipino youth cagers ended the first period with six straight points to grab a 26-17 lead and never yielded control the rest of the way.
Joshua Sinclair added 21 points and 12 rebounds for Batang Gilas, who face a daunting task on Sunday when they play China.
China is atop the standings in Group A with a 2-0 record following victories over Iraq (93-28) and India (106-66).
The scores:
Philippines (96) — Mendoza 25, Sinclair 21, Gallego 12, Yu 10, Carino 8, Mamuyac 7, Flores 4, Bahio 4, Tibayan 2, Madrigal 2, Lee 1, Pagsanjan 0.
Iraq (79) — Al-Zuhairi 39, Fadhil 11, Abbas 8, Al-Saedi 7, Obaidi 6, Jassanee 6, Al-Draisawi 2, Abdalla 0, Albomghee 0, Albo Mousa 0, Saadulah 0.
Quarters: 26-17, 56-39, 81-60, 96-79.
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