Even a day-off from competition did not slow down Batang Gilas Pilipinas as they mauled Thailand, 113-46, to book their third straight win in the 2017 SEABA Under-16 Championship, Wednesday afternoon at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
The victory lifts the Philippines’ record to an unscathed 3-0 similar to Malaysia, whom they will face tomorrow, May 18, at 12:00 PM for the gold medal. The Thai youth team, meanwhile, dropped to a 1-2 slate.
“Ganda ng defense natin,” lauded Batang Gilas head coach Mike Oliver on the win. “Especially mas lalo na dun sa American-Thai (Aaron Wadman). Binigay natin kay RC and it was evident.”
Calimag, a San Beda Red Cub, and Chiang Kai Shek’s Rafael Go led all scorers with 20 points apiece, with the former shooting 70 percent from the floor while the latter adding 12 rebounds to finish with a double-double.
The Thais were within distance early, 9-4, but the young Filipinos stamped their class via 41-6 scoring explosion, punctuated by a Kai Sotto dunk, to post the game’s first 30-point lead, 45-15, with just 5:55 left in the second period.
It was then all Batang Gilas all through out the bout, as the Thais never had any answer. The Philippines have already reached the century mark, 100-41, still with 5:43 left to play after Go’s perfect charities off a blocking foul.
Mac Guadaña supplied 16 markers and six dimes for Batang Gilas, while Rence Padrigao flirted with a triple double of 13 points, eight assists, and eight steals. Raven Cortez had 10 points and 10 caroms, while Geo Chiu had 10 and eight.
Now that Batang Gilas has already qualified for the 2017 FIBA Asia U-16 Championship. Oliver is now looking forward to their bout against the Malaysians with the championship on the line.
“Definitely, gusto ng Malaysia na mag-champion. Same standing pa, so again trabahuin natin yan sa depensa. Meron din silang good outside shooters at masipag magdepensa,” Oliver added. “They press full court, yun yung kailangan natin pagtuunan ng pansin.”
No one from Thailand scored in double figures in the loss, with Thannatorn Kamwised serving as their only leading scorer with nine markers on 4-of-14 shooting and four boards. However, he had seven turnovers.
Thai-American Aaron Wadman, who was averaging 10 points and 12 rebounds prior to today’s match, was just limited to six points on six shots and five rebounds in 23:34 minutes. And similar to Kamwised, he also had seven errors.
Batang Gilas shot 47 percent, with their shots accounted from their 27 assists. They also outclassed the Thais on rebounds, 68-38, and their defense caused Thailand to commit 32 turnovers that turned to 46 points.
Thailand will look to end their campaign on a winning note and seal the third and last slot for the FIBA-Asia U-16 cagefest later this year as they go up against the still-winless Singapore, also tomorrow at 10:00 AM.
The Scores:
Philippines (113) – Go 20, Calimag 20, Guadana 16, Padrigao 13, Cortez 10, Chiu 10, Sotto 6, Lina 6, Pascual 5, Lazaro 5, Fortea 2, Tan 0.
Thailand (46) – Kinnaret 11, Kamwised 6, Wadman 6, Preechatiwong 4, Chayapiwat 4, Homthuanlom 4, Preechahan 4, Buakaw 3, Iabsap 3, Boateng 1, Srangthao 0, Rattanawiwatpong 0.
Quarterscores: 32-13, 63-25, 85-40, 113-46
