Gilas Pilipinas Boys secured a spot in the quarterfinals after edging Syria, 72-63, in the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup playoffs on Thursday at the Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium in Ahmedabad, India.
Clinging to a 62-58 lead late in the fourth quarter, Ethan Aguas drilled a booming triple to spark a 7-0 run. Bruce Tubongbanua and Aidan Dayco-Green then followed with back-to-back layups to stretch the Philippines’ lead to 69-58 with 2:07 remaining.
(C) FIBA
Syria never recovered, as Luke Atacador and Pat Pasinos delivered the finishing blows to keep Gilas firmly in control and prevent any late comeback attempt.
The victory sent Gilas into the quarterfinals, where they will face Group C top seed China on Friday.
Dayco-Green led the Philippines with 16 points, three rebounds, and two assists as Gilas picked up its third consecutive victory. JB Cagurungan added 12 points, while Aguas and Tubongbanua chipped in 10 points apiece.
(C) FIBA
Gilas trailed late in the third quarter before Dayco-Green scored five straight points to spark a 9-0 run, giving the Philippines a 51-44 cushion heading into the final frame.
Majak Awutiak Mathiang Majak spearheaded Syria with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Meanwhile, Taym Aldassouki added 15 points and Yehia Kassas finished with 14.
The Scores:
Philippines 72 – Dayco-Green 18, Cagurungan 12, Tubongbanua 10, Aguas 8, Atacador 8, Pasinos 5, Gish 4, Chio 3, Carino 2, Moral 2.
Syria 63 – Majak 20, Aldassouki 15, Kassas 14, Antwan 6, Ekko 6, Kabani 2, Sarmini 0, Al Azawi 0, Albash 0, Aboallaban 0, Takriti 0
Quarterscores: 13-15, 32-31, 51-44, 72-63
