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.