Batang Gilas claims Seaba U-16 gold, clips Malaysia

RC Calimag. PBA IMAGES

Batang Gilas Pilipinas did what it had to do and claimed the 2017 Seaba Under-16 Championship with an 83-62 victory over Malaysia Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Sweeping the regional youth competition to claim its fourth straight title, the Philippines had to buck a gallant stand from the Malaysian counterparts before breaking away in the third quarter behind Kai Sotto and Raven Cortez.

“(Malaysia) used their speed and outside shooting. That’s why in the second half, we reminded our players to lessen their three-point shots and use our advantage which is our height,” said coach Mike Oliver.

The towering Sotto had 10 of his 15 points in the third quarter, to go with 12 rebounds, and four blocks, RC Calimag got 15 markers and five boards, and Terrence Fortea had 15 points and three rebounds in the conquest.

Cortez also added 13 markers and four boards, while Bismarck Lina chipped in 13 markers, 10 boards, and five assists.

Though he didn’t score as much, Forthsky Padrigao also made his imprint with his five points, 11 rebounds, six dimes, and two steals

Engaged in a tough battle from the get-go, Batang Gilas used a 24-6 run abridging the final two periods to turn a close 53-46 lead to a commanding 77-52 edge with 5:41 to play.

Teoh Yi Kang paced Malaysia with 19 points, three rebounds, and three assists.

Though settling for a silver medal, the Malaysians still earned a spot in the 2017 Fiba Asia U-16 Championship with the top two Southeast Asian teams booking seats to the continental tilt.

Natthanon Chayapiwat vs Jeremy Teo. PBA IMAGES

In the first game, Natthanon Chayapiwat commandeered Thailand’s huge start as it claimed third place with a 75-58 beatdown of Singapore.

The 16-year-old center unfurled 10 of his 18 points in the first quarter as the Thais went on a 31-1 opening frame and sealed the deal from the get-go. Chayapiwat also grabbed 18 rebounds, two assists, and two steals in the win.

Arnagorn Homthuanlom also joined in the party with 15 markers, three assists, and two boards, while Hiran Boateng got 11 points, five rebounds, five dimes, and three steals.

Thailand finished the tournament with a 2-2 slate, while keeping Singapore winless in four games.

Dorian Chin carried Singapore with 12 points and six rebounds, while David Chuabio had 11 on a 3-of-7 shooting from threes. IDL

The Scores:

Bronze Medal Game:

THAILAND 75 – Chayapiwat 18, Homthuanlom 15, Boateng 11, Preechahan 10, Wadman 8, Rattanawiwatpong 5, Srangthao 3, Kinnaret 2, Preechatiwong 2, Buakaw 1, Kamwised 0, Iabsap 0,

SINGAPORE 58 – Chin 12, Chuabio 11, Teo ZM 10, Teo TZ 10, Adam 5, Amado 4, Li 2, Tan 2, Lim 2, Tor 0, Lacsado 0, Soh 0.

Quarters: 31-1, 40-18, 57-29, 75-58.

Gold Medal Game: 

PHILIPPINES 83 – Fortea 15, Calimag 15, Sotto 15, Lina 13, Cortez 13, Guadaña 6, Padrigao 5, Pascual 1, Go 0, Lazaro 0

MALAYSIA 62 – Teoh YK 19, Tang 8, Wong 8, Yap 8, Tan EW 7, Khor 5, S. Chandaran 4, Tan CW 3, Lee 0, Chin 0.

Quarters: 22-15, 43-36, 65-52, 83-62.