GILAS Pilipinas Youth got outclassed by Australia, 107-69, on Saturday in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup in Ahmedabad, India.
The Philippines couldn’t hold off the reigning champions, as it trailed by as many as 42 points to succumb to its first loss after two games in Group A.
The result, however, does not drastically affect the Filipinos' chances of advancing to the next phase, as they will go up against Southeast Asian neighbor Thailand on Monday, likely for a place in the qualification to the quarterfinals.
Gilas Youth routed the Thais, 98-63, in the group stage on June 12, and 85-70, on June 14 in the final of the SEABA qualifier held in Krabi, Thailand.
Gilas room for improvement
George Green and Luke Atacador chipped in 12 points for the Philippines, as head coach Juno Sauler was able to go deep into his bench.
But seven players scored in double-digits for Australia, with Yahya Basaran top-scoring with 17 points followed by John Aryang with 16.
The Aussies flaunted their height advantage, lording it over in the paint with a 60-30 edge in rebounds and 6-1 in blocks.
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