Gilas Youth drops FIBA U16 Asian Championship opener to China
The Gilas Youth men’s national team dropped its opener to China in the FIBA U16 Asian Championship 2023, 84–67 on Sunday (early Monday morning in Manila) in Doha, Qatar.
The Philippines managed to go toe-to-toe against the Asian heavyweights, trailing by just one at the half at 44–43.
However, China used a big second half, outscoring the Philippines, 40–24. Coach Josh Reyes’ boys struggled in the final quarter, scoring only eight points.
Kiefer Alas, the younger brother of NLEX Road Warrior Kevin, topscored with 20 points and added eight rebounds, three assists, and four steals.
Meanwhile, Cletz Amos, the younger brother of Ateneo de Manila University center Mason, added 13 points as University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tiger Cubs standout Kurt Velasquez chipped in 12 points which included two threes.
The young Gilas will face Kazakhstan next on Monday (early Tuesday morning Manila time).
