By El Amigo
MANILA — Gilas Pilipinas Boys U18 survived a tough challenge from Syria, 72-63, on Thursday to punch their ticket to the quarterfinals of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup in India.
The young Filipinos had to battle back from an early deficit after Syria took a 15-13 lead at the end of the opening quarter.
Gilas answered in the second, edging ahead 32-31 at halftime. The contest stayed close in the third, with Syria holding a 44-42 lead with 1:32 left in the period.
That was when the Philippines made its move.
Gilas Boys finished the third quarter with nine unanswered points to turn the deficit into a 51-44 lead heading into the final frame.
Syria refused to go away, cutting the gap to 51-49 early in the fourth. But the Filipinos responded immediately, putting together an 8-0 run that effectively restored control of the game.
Cagurungan ignited the surge with a three-pointer, while Chio buried another triple to give Gilas a 59-49 cushion with 7:04 remaining.
The Philippines then relied on steady defense and composed play to preserve the advantage and close out the nine-point victory.
Green delivered an all-around performance with 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Cagurungan scored 12, hitting four triples, while Tubongbanua finished with 10.
Majak was Syria’s top performer with 20 points and 13 rebounds, followed by Aldassouki with 15 and Kassas with 14.
Gilas Boys U18 now turns its attention to China in the quarterfinals, with a spot in the tournament’s final four at stake.
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