DUBAI—Harry Giles electrified the stadium with his emphatic double-clutch slams while Malik Newman and Terrance Ferguson consistently swished threes as the United States routed the Philippines, 124-64, Monday evening in the Fiba U17 World Championship at the Al Ahli Arena.
The Americans exploited their size edge with Josh Jackson and Giles attacking the paint, freeing the shooting duo of Newman and Ferguson at the perimeter, en route to a 29-point lead at the half.
“They’re the best but we played our hearts out and that’s the bottom line,” said Batang Gilas coach Jamike Jarin.
“We just need to keep our heads up [because] we fought and never gave up,” he added.
Jolo Mendoza led Batang Gilas with 19 points, Jollo Go finished with 12 and Richard Escoto added 10 for the Filipinos, who lost their third game in a row and are scheduled to face France in a knockout game Tuesday night that will determine the quarterfinal cast.
The Philippines earned the respect of Team USA coach Donald Showalter.
“They’re scrappy, very well coached and they can hit shots when they’re open, so we respected them a lot for what they can do,” said Showalter.
Team USA swept its Group A assignments and takes on Japan in the crossover knockout second round.
“They’re (Filipinos) probably the fastest team we played in the tournament. They need size. They already have the athleticism and they know how to play the game,” said Showalter.
“I think down the road they’re going to have very much success,” he added.
A defeat in the knockout second round Tuesday will relegate Batang Gilas to the classification round with either Spain or Argentina.
The scores:
USA 124—Newman 16, Jackson 16, Giles 15, Ferguson 15, Ellenson 14, Stone 12, King 9, Tatum 8, Swanigan 8, Rabb 8, Ramsey 3, Battle 0.
PHILIPPINES 64—Mendoza 19, Go 12, Escoto 10, Matt Nieto 9, Dela Cruz 7, Desiderio 3, Mike Nieto 3, Dario 1, Navarro 0, Padilla 0, Panlilio 0, Abadeza 0.
Quarters: 32-16, 61-32, 90-52, 124-64