Batang Gilas Pilipinas extended their FIBA 3×3 U18 Asian Championships 2016 campaign after downing Indonesia, 21-16, to qualify into the semifinal phase of the tournament Sunday afternoon at Malaysia.
A tight match-up ensued between the Filipinos and the Indons, which saw both squads go to a 14-all knot. But Batang Gilas, anchored by the 1-2 punch of John Martin Galinato and John Lloyd Clemente, erupted to a 6-1 spree down the stretch to eke out a five-point win.
With the win, the Boys’ Team punched a ticket to the semifinas and will face the host country Malaysia, who claimed the very first semis slot after defeating Vietnam, 21-8.
Batang Gilas Head Coach Anton Altamirano lauded his boys’ composure and collective defensive effort down the stretch, which paved the way towards victory.
“We actually started flat,” said Altamirano. “Our outside shots were not falling, but we’re able to recover. I felt that we played great defense at the end game. Another team effort for us.”.
With their sights locked in for tomorrow’s semifinals affair, the NU Bulldogs assistant coach is aware of how tough it will be facing the Malaysians.
“Malaysia will be really tough especially since they’re the home crowd,” he furthered. “They play similar to our game so it will be a very intense game. [But] I believe in our boys.”
The Philippines-Malaysia match will take place on later at 4:20pm.
