By el Amigo
MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas Boys were overwhelmed by Australia, 107-69, in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup on Saturday (Manila time) at the Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium in Ahmedabad, India.
The Filipinos, who narrowly defeated Chinese Taipei by one point in their previous game, struggled to match Australia’s size and offensive firepower.
George Aidan Green led Gilas with 12 points, while Luke Atacador added 10. Elias Gish, JB Cagurungan and Andrew Chio contributed nine points apiece.
Gilas stayed within striking distance early, cutting Australia’s lead to two, 26-24, in the second quarter after Sizco Roquid scored on a two-point basket.
Australia then broke the game open with a 16-2 surge capped by Antonio Browne’s layup, giving the Boomers a 42-26 advantage. The Australians took a commanding 56-34 lead into halftime.
The second half proved no different as Australia continued to pull away. The Boomers’ biggest lead reached 42 points at 107-65 after Isaac Riddle sank two free throws with 57 seconds remaining.
Gilas struggled from the field, shooting only 33.8 percent on 23-of-68 attempts.
Australia, meanwhile, shot 49.4 percent and had seven players score in double figures. Yahya Basaran paced the Boomers with 17 points and eight rebounds, while John Aryang added 16. Bailey Hanson posted 14 points, eight assists, three steals and two rebounds.
Browne finished with 13 points, while Jai Fa’ale and Riddle scored 12 each. Josh McCann contributed 11.
Gilas Pilipinas Boys will look to bounce back on Monday when they face Thailand at the same venue.
elamigo/xf
