The young Batang Gilas was outclassed by powerhouse Australia, falling 52-82, Wednesday afternoon at the Foshan Lingnan Mingzhu Gymnasium in China.
With the loss, the Philippines dropped to the playoff round. The Filipinos will face Hong Kong on Thursday, April 5, at 1:00pm.
On the flipside, Australia leaves Group B with a 2-0 record. Moreover, the Baby Bombers advance to the quarterfinals.
Kai Sotto was limited to just nine points and four rebounds after finishing with 12 points and 16 rebounds against Malaysia last Monday.
With the big men of Batang Gilas stifled, it was the guards who led the Philippines. Lyceum standout McLaude Guadana had 11 markers, while RC Calimag chipped in 10 points.
The Philippines were able to keep pace with Australia to begin the contest, even leading early 7-3. However, the Australians were able to impose their will during the second frame. Sparked by Kobe Williamson and Luke Jackson, Australia had a big second quarter and never looked back.
It continued until the final frame as Australia’s lead would balloon to as high as 31 points.
Batang Gilas shot just 31 percent from the field compared to 40 percent for the young Aussies. Moreover, Australia was able to force the Philippines to commit 26 turnovers that led to 26 points.
Besides this, Australia out-rebounded the Nationals, 51-33. 20 of Australia’s rebounds came from the offensive end.
Australia had a balanced attack led by the 15 points of Jay Rantall. Kobe Williamson and Luke Travers had 14 and 11 points respectively.
The Scores:
Philippines 52 — Guadaña 11, Calimag 10, Sotto 9, Andrada 8, Padrigao 5, Fortea 4, Cortez 2, Lazaro 2, Chiu 1, Balaga 0, Bautista 0, Go 0.
Australia 82 — Rantall 15, Williamson 14, Travers 11, Capetola 9, Herbert 8, Wigness 8, Swaka 7, Jackson 6, Madden 2, Meakes 2, Tsapatolis 0.
Quarterscores: 13-18, 25-38, 40-62, 52-82.
