Gilas Youth comeback not enough, loses to Japan in Fiba U16 Asia

Japan vs Philippines in the Fiba U16 Championships in Doha, Qatar. –FIBA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas Youth failed in its comeback bid in a 73-67 loss to Japan in Group C in the Fiba U16 Asian Championship Tuesday night at Al-Gharafa Sports Club Multi-Purpose Hall in Doha, Qatar.

Down by 12 with less than four minutes left, Gilas pulled to within four on a basket by Alexander Konov with 34.1 seconds remaining.

Japan, however, pulled off one last stop, forcing a Konov three-point try before scoring on the other end to seal the victory.

The win earned Japan an outright quarterfinals berth while Gilas will have to beat Kazakhstan, which finished last in a tough Group D behind South Korea and New Zealand, for a spot in the last eight.

Fil-American Caelum Harris led Gilas with 18 points and six rebounds while Jared Bahay had 12 points, six rebounds and three assists.

Gilas finished the group stage in second place at 1-1 after crushing Kuwait in its first game less than 24 hours ago.

Yuto Kawashima gave Gilas fits with 26 points and 18 rebounds. He scored 21 of his points in the first half.

The Filipinos shot themselves in the foot by going 9-of-17 from the free throw line. They also made just four of their 23 attempts from long range.