Gilas Youth’s Mason Amos during the Philippines game vs Syria in the Fiba Under-18 Asian Championship. –FIBA BASKETBALL
MANILA, Philippines — Mason Amos propelled Gilas Pilipinas youth team’s 112-48 rout of Syria to open their 2022 Fiba Under-18 Asian Championship stint on a rousing note on Sunday at Azadi Basketball Hall in Tehran, Iran.
The 6-foot-7 big man, who celebrated his 18th birthday, top scored with 26 points on 11-of-15 shooting to go with four rebounds and two steals in 16 minutes and 51 seconds of playing time.
The Gilas boys led as many as 71 points as they shot 51.7 percent from the field while limiting Syria to 18-of-77 shooting.
Earl Jared Abadam delivered 19 points, six rounds, and four assists and provided seven of the team’s 29 steals that forced 39 turnovers from Syria, where they scored 45 off the miscues.
Seven Gagate also scored 19 and collected nine rebounds, two blocks, and two steals. Joshua Caleb Coronel added 10 points, three steals, and two boards, while Kristian Porter had eight markers, 13 rebounds, and four steals in their first Group C win.
The young Filipinos, coached by Josh Reyes, continue their campaign on Monday against Qatar, which lost to Chinese Taipei, 96-62, at 7:15 p.m. (Manila time).
George Kastntin was the lone bright spot for Syria with 12 points as his squad scored half of their points in the final quarter.