Batang Gilas bows to China in Fiba U16 semis

Fiba.com

There were no late-game heroics this time around as Batang Gilas bowed to China, 60-54, in the semifinals of the Fiba Under 16 Asian Championship Saturday in Foshan.

If the Filipinos relied on Recaredo Calimag’s game-winner in their 72-70 quarterfinals win over Japan, the Chinese made sure this time that there won’t be any cardiac finish.

The Chinese held a 48-36 lead after three quarters before holding off the Filipinos late.

China held a 55-52 lead midway through a defensive-oriented fourth quarter before Sun Haoquin scored on a layup that gave the Chinese a 59-53 lead with 32 seconds left.

Sun Haoquin finished with 22 points on 8-of-29 shooting to lead the Chinese in their conquest of the Philippines while Lu Pengyu added eight points and 11 boards.

Kai Sotto finished with 26 points, 21 rebounds, and six blocks to lead the Philippines’ defense.