By REYNALD MAGALLON
Andy Gemao and Wilhalm Carbonilas formed a deadly one-two punch as Gilas Pilipinas Boys whipped Thailand, 87-53, to inch closer to the FIBA U18 Asia Cup berth in the SEABA qualifiers at the MABA Stadium in Malaysia on Saturday, July 20.
Like in the rousing opener against Malaysia, the Filipinos had to endure a brave stand from the Thais in the first quarter before pulling away for good in the second frame and moving on the cusp of a return trip to the continental showpiece.
Gemao, who had an injury scare early in the third frame, exploded for 19 points, four rebounds and three steals while Cabonilas provided ample support with 17 points and nine rebounds.
Carl Vincent Manding finished with 10 points while Joaqui Ludovice and Marc Burgos chipped in eight points apiece.
Gilas can formally clinch its spot in the Asia Cup and join fellow powerhouses China, Iran, New Zealand, Japan and Australia with a victory against Indonesia on Sunday, July 21.
Leading only by three, 22-19, at the end of the first 10 minutes, the Filipinos ripped the game wide open after back-to-back treys from Manding and Ludovice triggered a blistering 18-2 run to open the second quarter with a 40-21 cushion.
There was simply no looking back from there for Gilas as it took a lead that went to as many as 34 points.
Pongsaporn Srijan was the lone double digit scorer with 10 points for the Thais who remained winless through two games in the tournament.
