Kieffer Alas stars anew as Gilas Boys whip Malaysia

Gilas Boys’ Kieffer Alas in the Fiba U16 Asian Championship in Doha, Qatar. –FIBA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas Boys sustained their fine play as they dominated Malaysia, 75-52, in the Fiba U16 Asian Championship on Wednesday at Al-Rayyan Indoor Hall in Doha, Qatar.

Kieffer Alas and Kurt Velasquez set the tone and anchored a balanced attack that saw the young Filipinos zoom to a 29-6 start and went on to lead by as many as 34 points.

Alas, son of multi-titled coach Louie and brother of PBA player Kevin, continues to lead the way for Gilas with his second straight double-double, collecting 15 points and 13 rebounds while Velasquez scattered 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Alas is averaging 17.7 points and 10.3 rebounds through three games in the tournament.

FILE – Kieffer Alas against Kazakhstan in the Fiba U16 Asian Championship.–FIBA PHOTO

Elijah Williams chipped in nine points and nine assists as all of the players fielded by coach Josh Reyes contributed at least two points.

The Gilas Boys, who were coming off a 66-42 rout of Kazakhstan, placed second in Group D with back-to-back wins following an 84-67 loss to China. The Chinese (3-0) remained undefeated after a 119-57 romp of Kazakhstan.

The Philippines battles South Korea, which finished with a 1-2 record in Group C, in a playoff match on Thursday. The winner will face Japan in the quarterfinals.

Malaysia takes on Jordan in a playoff game for a quarterfinal berth against Australia.

No Malaysian scored in double figures with Elvin Hoo, Chua Yen Joon, and Brandon Kho tallying seven points each.