Batang Gilas survives Malaysia in Fiba Asia U16 opener

Terrence Fortea. Photo from FIBA.com

Batang Gilas Pilipinas survived a determined Malaysian squad, 62-57, in the opening day of the 2018 FIBA Asia U-16 Championship in Foshan, China.

Terrence Fortea topped the Nationals with 15 points on a 6-of-21 shooting, while also hauling down nine rebounds and two assists to lead the charge.

Kai Sotto also unloaded 12 markers, 16 boards, four blocks, and two dimes as he triggered the Philippines’ 13-3 decisive run in the third quarter that turned a 36-37 deficit to a 49-40 advantage at the end of the period.

Raven Cortez also impressed with his double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds, while RC Calimag got eight markers and six boards.

It was a terrible shooting display for the Philippines as it shot just 27-percent from the field, including a 2-of-27 from three, and 12-of-30from the free throw line.

Batang Gilas, though, went to its strengths as Sotto and Cortez lorded in the paint, with the latter giving them the 13-point edge, 59-46 lead with 5:11 remaining.

Malaysia’s John Tang kept his side within striking distance and trimmed the deficit down to five, 59-54, with 2:52 left, but Cortez and Sotto drained their charities to put the game away late.

Batang Gilas will next face Australia on Wednesday for a chance to top Group B in the preliminary round.

Tang paced the Malaysians with 17 points and four rebounds.

The Scores:

PHILIPPINES 62 — Fortea 15, Cortez 12, Sotto 12, Calimag 8, Go 4, Andrada 3, Guadaña 3, Padrigao 3, Lazaro 2, Balaga 0, Bautista 0, Chiu 0.

MALAYSIA 57 — Tang 17, Lee JH 9, Teoh YK 8, Wong 8, Foo 4, Tan EW 4, Yap 3, Khor 2, Tan CW 2, Lee W 0, Teoh WH 0.

Quarters: 11-13, 30-27, 49-40, 62-57.