Gilas Boys bounce back with rout of Kazakhstan in Fiba U16 Asian Championship

Gilas Boys celebrate during their game against Kazakhstan in the Fiba U16 Asian Championship in Doha, Qatar.–FIBA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas Boys stayed in the hunt for a quarterfinal spot after whipping Kazakhstan, 66-42, in the Fiba U16 Asian Championship on Tuesday at Al-Rayyan Indoor Hall in Doha, Qatar.

After a shaky first half that saw them trail by seven late in the second quarter, the young Filipinos came out the second half with much vigor and shut down the Kazakhs to just three points in the third period for a 47-33 halftime lead.

Gilas, behind Kiefer Alas, kept rolling in the final frame as Kazakhstan was unable to regain its footing.

Gilas’ Kiefer Alas against Kazakhstan in the Fiba U16 Asian Championship.–FIBA PHOTO

Kazakhstan was held to 22 percent shooting from the field, including 2-of-22 from downtown.

Alas produced 18 points, 10 rebounds and three steals while Joaquin Ludovice added 11 points. Bonn also finished in double-digits with 10 points on top of eight rebounds.

Gilas Boys, who rebounded from an 84-67 loss to China early Monday, and Malaysia dispute the last quarterfinal ticket in Group D early Wednesday.

China (2-0), which ripped Malaysia, 95-33, late Monday night, already secured the top spot in the group.

The four best finishers in the tournament earn berths to next year’s Fiba U17 World Cup.