Batang Gilas Pilipinas and Batang Perlas Pilipinas absorbed different results in their respective campaigns in the ongoing FIBA 3×3 U18 Asian Championships 2016 being staged in Malaysia.
Batang Gilas was able to book themselves a ticket to the quarterfinal stage after winning three of their four games, while their female counterparts, Batang Perlas, flunked in all four of their assignments.
In the July 22 opener, the Boys’ Team lost their first match against Qatar, 21-25, but bounced back and dominated South Korea in their second game, 21-9. Batang Gilas went on to win both of their affairs the next day, July 23, versus the likes of Japan, 21-17, and Vietnam, 21-6.
Batang Perlas, composed of Kristine Cayabyab, Mary Ann Cayabyab, Cristel Dizon, and Jenilyn Gamboa, had close matches but fell short and failed to post needed wins. They also played in the opening festivities, dropping both of their games against Sri Lanka, 15-13, and Japan, 15-11. The Girls’ Team, the next day, lost to Vietnam, 21-25 and Kyrgyzstan, 21-17, which booted them out of the tourney.
“Both teams have really given their best in this tournament,” said coach Anton Altamirano about the outcomes his Batang Gilas and Batang Perlas faced.
“Our Boys’ Team has been great placing second at the end of the eliminations. Our Girls’ were unable to advance but they played their hearts out in each game.”
Batang Gilas, composed of Rhayyan Amsali, John Lloyd Clemente, John Martin Galinato, and Kyle Christian Tan, now shifts their focus into the Quarterfinals as they will be facing Indonesia. With the anticipated face-off, Altamirano likes his young squad’s chances.
“I feel really good of our chances with the Boys’ Team… We want to be aggressive and set the tempo of the game. Indonesia is a team that hustles for every lose ball. I believe our advantage will be how we can control the rebounds and limit their outside shots.”
“Our team thrives on teamwork, which is why we are very dangerous.”
The FIBA 3×3 U18 Asian Championships Quarterfinal phase is set on Sunday July 23.
Eight teams – Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, Qatar, and Kyrgyzstan – will vie for the top four slots for the semifinals on Monday, July 25. The lone Finals game will be on Tuesday, July 26.
