By CARLO ANOLIN
Gilas Pilipinas Youth used a strong first half attack and coasted to an 83-60 win against Kazakhstan Thursday in the 2022 FIBA-U16 Asian Championship at the Al-Gharafa Sports Club Multi-Purpose Hall in Doha, Qatar.
The victory enabled the Philippines to arrange a quarterfinals showdown against Group A leader and defending champion Australia Friday, June 17.
The winner is set to secure a slot not only a semifinals berth but also a ticket to the 2022 FIBA U-17 World Cup next month in Spain.
Gilas led by as many as 18 points at the end of the first half before stepping on the gas in the next two quarters as five Filipinos scored in double-digits.
The Filipino cagers kept the pace and used their momentum in the third period as the lead was even stretched to 24 points capped by a Kristian Porter’s layup at the 2:27 mark.
Gilas never looked back at that point despite Daniil Severgin converting a layup of his own in the ensuing play as the score remained untouched at 73-51 at the end of the third quarter.
Renzo Competente led with 15 points along with six rebounds, and four steals while Jacob Bayla scored 13 points.
Zain Mahmood and Porter finished with 12 points apiece while Alexander Konov had 11 points for Gilas.
Caelum Harris was limited to three points on a 1-of-4 shooting, but contributed in other departments with nine rebounds and seven assists.
Daniil Severgin paced the Kazakhs with 24 points on top of nine rebounds, seven steals, and three assists while Zhangir Dyussenov also contributed 17 points and four rebounds.
