Gilas Youth misses out on World Cup berth

MANILA, Philippines, August 25 ------ After an impressive 3-0 start in the FIBA U18 Asia Championship, the Gilas Youth collapsed in the quarterfinals as it struggled to overcome a hot-shooting Lebanon, 99-83, on Wednesday, August 24, at the Azadi Basketball Hall in Tehran, Iran.

Mason Amos, who had been leading the country’s campaign, had 11 points, 7 assists, and 2 assists as the young Filipinos struggled early, shooting only 11-of-35 in the first half. Kyle Gamber, who came off the bench, was the only other Gilas player to reach double figures with 10 points.

A victory would have propelled the Philippines to the world stage as only the top four finishers would earn slots in the FIBA U19 World Cup. The loss relegated the Philippines – which topped Group C with victories over Syria, Qatar, and Chinese Taipei – to the classification round.

Lebanese starter Bryan Mansour had a scintillating game as he poured in 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists to lead his team to a spot in the World Cup. Karim Rtail also tallied 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists for the young Cedars. Lebanon was just too hot from deep, going 17-of-30 from distance after just shooting 15.6-percent from beyond the arc in pool play. The sizzling Lebanese shot 51 points from three-point range on a 17-of-30 clip while the Filipinos tallied only 9-of-23 from beyond the arc.

Lebanon quickly dashed the Philippines’ hopes in the knockout match as it rushed to a 16-point lead in the opening quarter, 27-11. Still unstoppable on the offensive end, the Lebanese extended the gap to 27 points over the Filipinos, 80-53, by halftime. The Filipinos, though, pumped hope into their bid after the break as Amos, Gamber, and Joshua Coronel teamed up to help the Philippines cut its deficit to 44-57.

But Rtail eventually responded for Lebanon, while Karl Kozah and Karl Zamatta combined for 5 points in a quick 8-0 spurt to counter the Filipinos’ small fightback. Kozah then drilled back-to-back three-pointers to kick off the final quarter and give Lebanon a commanding 86-53 lead over the hapless Filipinos.

The Philippines will return to action in the classification phase on Friday, August 26, where they will take on Chinese Taipei.

The Scores:

Lebanon 99 – Mansour 28, Rtail 25, Kozah 18, Zamatta 10, AR. Sabbagh 6, Sleimann 4, Assaf 4, A. Sabbagh 4, Nasar 0, Alalia 0.

Philippines 83 – Amos 11, Gamber 10, Abadam 9, Pablo 9, Demisana 9, Nacaua 8, Coronel 8, Bahay 7, Gagate 6, Porter 3, Alao 3, Andres 0.

Quarters: 27-11, 53-35, 80-53, 99-83.

Source: rappler.com