The Philippines is headed to Doha.
Gilas Boys’ Under-16 booked their place in the 2023 FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship after demolishing Thailand, 85-49, on Tuesday at GOR Kertajaya at Surabaya, Indonesia.
The continental meet will take place from September 17 to 24 in Qatar.
With one mission down, the young Filipinos are looking to knock the other task they have to do on Wednesday when they take on Indonesia — sweep the SEABA meet.
Kieffer Alas was once again at the forefront of Gilas Youth’s attack.
A day after dropping 27 points, the son of Louie Alas fired 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the field to go with eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
With Alas leading the way, Gilas raced to an 18-7 start before taking a 39-24 halftime lead.
It was all Philippines from there, leading by as much as 36 points in the closing stages of the contest.
Guard Kurt Velasquez and Joaquin Ludovice supported Alas, finishing with 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Elijah Williams got nine points, five rebounds, and two steals while CJ Amos, Ziv Espinas, and Irus Chua contributed eight markers apiece.
Thailand, who fell to a 1-1 record, was led by the 17 points of Michael Barwisch. Kevin Ciati also grabbed 10 rebounds.
The Scores:
Philippines 85 – Alas 18, Velasquez 12, Ludovice 10, Williams 9, Chua 8, Amos 8, Espinas 8, Diao 4, Morales 3, Daja 3, Hachuela 2, Gomez 0.
Thailand 49 – Barwisch 17, Hirunlertprasert 8, Pisamyuttanapong 6, Juergensen 5, Jaiaree 4, Ciati 2, Hines 2, Kam-a-nek 2, Sussanam 2, Jongsathapornpong 1, Samana 0.
Quarterscores: 21-13, 39-24, 60-36, 85-49.
