Gilas Boys cruise to Fiba U16 Asian Championship quarterfinals

Gilas Boys’ Joaquin Ludovice and Kieffer Alas during a game against Korea in the Fiba U16 Asian Championship. –FIBA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas Boys steamrolled Korea, 95-71, to make the Fiba Asia U16  in Doha, Qatar, on Friday to advance to the Fiba Asia U16 Cup quarterfinals.

It was a historic win for the Philippines, which posted its first win against Korea in a Fiba U16 tournament.

The young Filipinos can add more history to their Asia Cup run should they win in the quarters, as it would grant them an outright spot in the 2024 Fiba U16 World Cup.

Gilas Boys celebrate against Korea in the Fiba U16 Asian Championship.–FIBA PHOTO

Joaquin Ludovice led all scorers with 25 points while Kieffer Alas recorded his third straight double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Ludovice caught fire with seven 3-pointers.

Gilas also drew quality minutes from Kurt Velasquez and Bonn Daja. Velasquez had 17 points while Daja also posted a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

The Philippines, which has won three in a row since losing to China in the opener, faces Japan in the quarterfinals.

The Japanese advanced to the quarterfinal round after it swept Group B.