Gilas Boys lose to Aussies, battle China for Fiba Asia U16 bronze

Gilas Pilipinas Boys in the Fiba U16 Asian Championship semifinal in Doha, Qatar.–FIBA PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas Boys’ dream run in the Fiba U16 Asian Championship came to a screeching halt early Sunday (Manila time) at Al-Gharafa Indoor Hall in Doha, Qatar.

Gilas, which booked a trip to next year’s U17 World Cup, bowed out of title contention after falling to Australia, 92-36, in the semifinal round.

It was a masterclass on both ends by the Aussies, who zoomed to a 22-7 start and led by as many as 60 points.

Gilas Boys’ Kieffer Alas.–FIBA PHOTO

Kieffer Alas, who has been stellar in the continental meet and coming off a 29-point outing in a 64-59 comeback win over Japan in the quarterfinal, was limited to only two points.

The Philippines tries to salvage a bronze and get back at China late Sunday night, which beat Gilas, 84-67, in the group phase on Monday.

Not a single Gilas player scored more than six points. Irus Chua and Cletz Amos had six apiece.

Australia out-rebounded the Philippines, 73-31, and held the Filipinos to just 19.7 percent from the field including 3-of-33 from the three-point area.

Dash Daniels powered Australia with 12 points and 11 rebounds while Henry Sewell also recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Australia plays New Zealand, which rolled past China, 86-69, in the other semis matchup, for the gold.