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Gilas Pilipinas Youth Roars Back With Convincing Win Over Kazakhstan In FIBA U16 Asian Championship
Photo credit: SBP
Gilas Pilipinas Youth bounced back from their opening day defeat in the FIBA U16 Asian Championship 2023, securing a dominant 66-42 victory over Kazakhstan on Monday September 18, 2023 evening in Qatar.
Kieffer Alas, the standout performer once again, delivered an impressive 18-10 double-double, showcasing his versatility on the court. Bonn Daja provided vital support by contributing 10 points and grabbing eight rebounds, while Joaquin Ludovice added 11 points coming off the bench.
The early stages of the game saw the Philippines encountering offensive challenges, trailing by five points, 30-25, after the first two quarters. Recognizing the need for a shift, Gilas Pilipinas intensified their defensive efforts in the second half.
Their defensive prowess shone brightest in the third quarter when they held Kazakhstan to a mere three points, causing multiple turnovers and missed opportunities for their opponents. This aggressive defense translated into easier scoring opportunities for Gilas Pilipinas.
The second half opened with a resounding 11-1 run, led by Alas, Daja, and Noah Banal, each making crucial shots. Once they established a double-digit lead, Gilas Pilipinas never looked back. In the fourth quarter, their tenacious defense continued to stifle Kazakhstan, allowing only nine points in the period to seal a commanding victory.
With this win, Gilas Pilipinas Youth has leveled their Group D record at 1-1, putting them in contention for a top-three finish in the group. Their next challenge will be against Malaysia in the final group stage game, as they aspire to advance to the qualification games for the quarterfinals.
Kieffer Alas, the standout performer once again, delivered an impressive 18-10 double-double, showcasing his versatility on the court. Bonn Daja provided vital support by contributing 10 points and grabbing eight rebounds, while Joaquin Ludovice added 11 points coming off the bench.
The early stages of the game saw the Philippines encountering offensive challenges, trailing by five points, 30-25, after the first two quarters. Recognizing the need for a shift, Gilas Pilipinas intensified their defensive efforts in the second half.
Their defensive prowess shone brightest in the third quarter when they held Kazakhstan to a mere three points, causing multiple turnovers and missed opportunities for their opponents. This aggressive defense translated into easier scoring opportunities for Gilas Pilipinas.
The second half opened with a resounding 11-1 run, led by Alas, Daja, and Noah Banal, each making crucial shots. Once they established a double-digit lead, Gilas Pilipinas never looked back. In the fourth quarter, their tenacious defense continued to stifle Kazakhstan, allowing only nine points in the period to seal a commanding victory.
With this win, Gilas Pilipinas Youth has leveled their Group D record at 1-1, putting them in contention for a top-three finish in the group. Their next challenge will be against Malaysia in the final group stage game, as they aspire to advance to the qualification games for the quarterfinals.
Sep 19, 2023
