Australia imposed its class on Batang Gilas during their semifinals match at the FIBA U16 Asian Championship, 92-36, to schedule a finals meeting with rival New Zealand.
The Aussies, ranked 4th in the world, were simply too much for 26th ranked Philippines in the game held in Doha. Australia exploited their size advantage to dominate the boards and hit shots from anywhere on the floor to build an early lead that they will not surrender. Batang Gilas rebounded the ball 31 times, less than half the 76 caroms secured by Australia.
The loss sends Batang Gilas to the bronze medal match with China, who dealt the Philippines its other loss in the tournament. China fell to New Zealand in the other semifinals match, 86-69.
Whatever the outcome of Sunday’s games, all four semifinalists are already guaranteed berths in the FIBA U17 Word Cup set in Turkey in June next year.
Batang Gilas realized early they were in a tough spot, with three-point shots the team usually make not falling. The team only made 29 percent of shots from the perimeter and 9 percent from 3-point land.
Australia added to the pressure on the Batang Gilas’ shoulders by consistently blocking shots and quickly converting turnovers to fast break points. Australia rejected 9 shots and stole the ball 9 times.
The first half ended with Batang Gilas trailing, 10-45. The Philippine team scored better in the second half, adding 26 to their total but that only matched Australia’s production in the third quarter.
Coetzee David Amos and Irus Chua led Batang Gilas in scoring with 6 points each. Australia frustrated Keifer Alas, Batang Gilas’ leading scorer, and allowed him to score 2 points.
Even with the disheartening loss, this squad coached by Joshua Vincent Reyes could still finish better than the Kai Sotto-bannered team that placed 4th in 2018 during the tournament in China.
