BATANG Gilas was stunned by Southeast Asian rival Thailand, 74-71, on Tuesday - its third loss in the Fiba Asia Under-18 Championship in Tehran, Iran.
Justin Bassey led Thailand with 34 points, 21 rebounds and five assists. He also hit the 15-foot jumper that broke the game's final deadlock at 71-all.
Batang Gilas fell to its second straight loss as a last-gasp triple to tie the game at the buzzer rimmed out.
Jolo Mendoza had 22 points to lead Batang Gilas, which also lost to China and Chinese-Taipei against a lone win against Iraq.
It was a stunning defeat by the Philippines, which beat Thailand twice in this year’s Seaba Under-18 Championship including the gold medal match.
But those Thai teams were without Bassey, a Thai-Nigerian who played high school ball in the United States with Colorado Academy.
Batang Gilas were forced to play catch-up for the most part of the game, but were able to tie the score at 68-all on a jumper by Gian Mamuyac.
After a triple by the Thais, the nationals responded yet again with a triple by Mendoza to make it even again, 71-71.
Thailand, however, continued to have an answer with Bassey hitting the critical jumper to break the deadlock.
The scores:
Thailand (74) — Bassey 34, Tabtim 13, Banchathon 11, Pamanee 6, Suwan 5, Leelaphipatkul 2, Jaimsawad 2, Thanarojwongsa 1, Kanhasin 0.
Philippines (71) — Mendoza 22, Gallego 20, Bahio 9, Mamuyac 7, Tibayan 5, Flores 2, Carino 2, Pagsanjan 2, Yu 2, Lee 0, Sinclair 0, Madrigal 0.
Quarters: 20-18, 33-31, 57-56, 74-71.
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