Gilas Pilipinas Youth snapped a five-game skid at the expense of rival China, 86-72, Saturday in the FIBA Under-19 World Cup consolation round at Heraklion University Sports Hall in Greece.
Sean Dave Ildefonso, who is averaging a team high 16.7 points prior to the game, exploded for 21 points as he canned 7-of-12 shots from the field, including 4-of-7 from three-point territory.
Forward Carl Tamayo backed him up with 20 points, while James Daniel Spencer and Rayyan Amsali contributed 11 points apiece for the national team, which now moves to the battle for 13th place against New Zealand.
Gilas back up center Geo Chiu also stepped up with nine rebounds, two shot blocks and two points as 7-foot-2 Kai Sotto played just nearly 13 minutes due to foul trouble.
“We played well, the boys played hard and tough from the start,” said Gilas mentor Sandy Arespacochaga.
“Kai got in foul trouble and barely played but the rest of the team stepped up. Carl Tamayo and Geo Chiu in particular. Dave was spectacular whole game and he did it all. Rhayyan Amsali and James Spencer provided tough defense but also hit open shots for us.”
“Our point guards, Gerry Abadiano Dalph Panopio and Terrence Fortea ran our offense well and also provided scoring. Guys on the bench cheered their teammates on and wouldn’t let the players relax and kept them focused. Great team effort,” added Arespacochaga. (Waylon Galvez)
