Gilas Pilipinas Youth extend their record to 4-0 in the preliminary round of the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers. They will face Malaysia next before the final day of games.
Gilas Pilipinas Youth proved they could win even when tested, pulling off a gritty 77-68 victory over fellow unbeaten Indonesia in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers on Wednesday, May 28, at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center.
Unlike their dominant wins over Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore, the Filipinos found themselves in a tight contest for the first time in the tournament. But under the guidance of first-year head coach LA Tenorio, the hosts stayed composed and relied on a balanced attack to improve to 4-0.
Leading 32-28 at halftime—thanks in part to a 12-7 assist advantage—Gilas Youth created some breathing room by the end of the third quarter, 57-47.
But Indonesia, led by the impressive Benjamin Hernusi, refused to go away. Hernusi finished with 23 points on 10-of-16 shooting, keeping his side within striking distance deep into the fourth.
That’s when Carl Delos Reyes stepped up with a crucial spinning drive that energized the home crowd and helped halt Indonesia’s momentum. He showed flashes of his UE Red Warrior grit, finished with 10 points.
Prince Cariño anchored the Filipinos with 15 points on 7-of-13 shooting and six rebounds to earn Player of the Game honors. He was one of five players in double figures, joined by Travis Pascual (13), Luisito Joel Pascual (12), Delos Reyes, and Everaigne Cruz (10), who added a key three-pointer late.
With one more game left in the preliminary round—against Malaysia on Thursday—Gilas Youth likely locked up its place in the May 30 final. Still unbeaten, the hosts now shift their focus toward finishing the tournament with gold in front of their home crowd.
[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]