MANILA – Gilas Pilipinas Youth finally nailed a victory in the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup after an 86-72 domination over China on Saturday night at the Heraklion University Sports Hall in Greece.
Dave Ildefonso nailed four three-pointers to finish with 21 points to go along with seven assists and six rebounds, while Carl Tamayo added 20 markers and six boards for the Philippines squad.
James Spencer and Rhayyan Amsali also scored 11 points each as the national youth basketball team survived a poor showing from Kai Sotto, who was limited to just five points.
With the victory, the Philippines progressed to the battle for 13th place on Sunday evening where it will face the winner between New Zealand and Senegal.
The game was still tight at the end of the opening half with the Chinese on top 41-37 before the Gilas Pilipinas Youth went on a huge run in the third behind Tamayo and Ildefonso for a 50-39 lead.
The Chinese countered with a huge rally in the fourth to come to as close as 55-57 but the Philippines responded with an 8-0 blast capped by a conversion from Dalph Panopio for a 72-57 advantage.
Guo Haowen tallied 23 points, five assists, four rebounds, and four steals in the losing cause for China./PN
