Gilas Pilipinas Boys secured a finals berth in the SEABA U16 qualifiers and punched their ticket to the FIBA U16 Asia Cup after surviving a gritty Indonesia side, 77-68, on Wednesday at the Bren Z. Guiao Sports Complex.
After cruising through their first three games with an average winning margin of 53.33 points, the young Filipinos were finally tested by a determined Indonesian squad.
Gilas held a 61-47 lead early in the final quarter, but Indonesia, led by Benjamin Hernusi, staged a late rally to trim the deficit to just six, 74-68, with 1:10 remaining.
However, a turning point came when Seiya Yabe was whistled for an unsportsmanlike foul, allowing Travis Pascual to split his free throws.
On the ensuing possession, Pascual calmly knocked down two more from the line to seal the win and secure the Philippines’ spot in the continental showdown in Ulaanbaatar.
Travis, who is transferring to National University-Nazareth School, led Gilas with 13 points, five rebounds, and two assists.
UE’s Jolo Pascual added 12 points built on two triples, while FEU-Diliman’s Prince Cariño contributed 15 points and six rebounds.
Gab Delos Reyes also made his presence felt with a double-double of 10 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks.
Hernusi carried Indonesia with 23 points, while Gede Dio Naranatha chipped in 11 markers.
Indonesia will have another shot at the finals when they face Vietnam tomorrow. A win will secure their place in the championship round opposite the Philippines.
Earlier in the day, Thailand overpowered Vietnam, 63-46, while Malaysia dominated Singapore, 78-55.
These results put Thailand and Malaysia in a tie for third with identical 2-2 records heading into the final day of the eliminations.
Apirach Boonsrang led Thailand with a monster double-double of 19 points and 17 rebounds, while Mikel Rohit Daniel spearheaded Malaysia’s charge with 15 points, five rebounds, and five steals.
Vietnam sits at fifth with a 1-3 slate, while Singapore remains winless in the tournament.
On the final day of eliminations, Thailand will go up against Singapore, while the Philippines wrap up their campaign against Malaysia.
