Rex Neil Falogme

Gilas Boys failed to clinch a podium finish at the 2023 FIBA Asia U16 Cup after suffering an 87-59 defeat against China in the battle for third in Doha, Qatar on Sunday.

Photo Courtesy of FIBA

Joaquin Ludovice led the offensive guns of the national youth squad with 15 points, four boards, and three assists followed by Kiefer Aas and Irus Chua's 13 and 10 points, respectively.

Gilas maintained themselves in striking distance after the opening quarter, until China broke loose after dropping a 20-8 run in the last six minutes of the second period for a 44-29 half-time lead.

The Chinese young squad continued their dominance in the third frame, ballooning their lead to 33 after scoring 26 while limiting Gilas to just eight quarter points, 70-37.

Despite their good showing in the last frame, the young Gilas unfortunately ran out of gas and ended their U16 campaign in a 28-point loss at the hands of China.

Chinese standout Boyuan Zhang carried his team by scoring 34 points and 7 rebounds in 30 minutes of playing time.

Moreover, Sinan Huan of China also put up impressive numbers for his team, finishing the game with 14 points on 6/7 shooting, 11 rebounds, and 5 blocks.

Adding to their U17 World Cup ticket in Turkey next year, it was also the sixth consecutive podium finish of China in all of their U16 Asian Championship appearances.


Edited by Jostle Doen Pilayre