Russia keeps Gilas Youth winless in Fiba U19 World Cup

Photo from Fiba.com

MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Youth ended its group stage campaign in the worst possible way after losing to Russia, 92-64, Wednesday (Manila time) at University Hall in Heraklion, Greece.

The Filipinos finished dead last in Group C with a 0-3 record, but still moved on to the Round of 16 wherein it faces Serbia in the knockout phase.

Kai Sotto and Dave Ildefonso led the Philippines with 14 points apiece and a combined 13 rebounds while Carl Tamayo added 12 points and five boards.

The Russians built an early first quarter lead taking a 28-15 cushion after Aleksandr Petenev’s layup.

Sergey Dolinin’s layup off Makar Knovalov’s assist extended Russia’s advantage to 67-41 with 3:23 left in the third quarter ending any hopes of a Philippine comeback.

Aleksandr Ershov led Russia with 21 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Nikita Mikhailovskii showed his strength with 16 points and 10 boards.