Gilas Youth scores bounce-back win over Kazakhstan
The Gilas Pilipinas Youth squad bounced back from an opening defeat with a 66–42 win over Kazakhstan in the FIBA U16 Asian Championship 2023 on Monday (early Tuesday morning in Manila) in Doha, Qatar.
After a tentative first two quarters, the nationals went on a 22–3 third period that broke the game wide open and handed them their first victory in Group D.
Kiefer Alas once again led coach Josh Reyes’ boys with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals, while Joaquin Ludovice added 11 points on 5-of-11 shooting.
Bonn Ervin Daja also tallied double-digits with 10 points and eight boards.
The Philippines was down five to open the third frame, but unleashed an 8–0 run to overtake Kazakhstan.
The Gilas Youth prevented its counterparts from making a field goal throughout the quarter, extending the margin to 47–33 on a Noal Banal triple late in the third.
The Philippines will wrap up its group stage campaign against Malaysia on Tuesday (early Wednesday morning in Manila) for a shot to advance to the last 12.
