4TH PLACE. Gilas Youth could not help but be emotional after blowing its chance to make it to the FIBA U16 Asian Championship podium on Sunday (Sept. 24, 2023) night. China beat the Philippines with an 87-59 win in the bronze medal game at the Al-Gharafa Sports Club Multi-Purpose Hall in Doha, Qatar. (Photo courtesy of FIBA)
CEBU CITY – Gilas Pilipinas Youth was denied a podium finish in the FIBA U16 Asian Championship on Sunday night after China's 87-59 win in the bronze medal game at the Al-Gharafa Sports Club Multi-Purpose Hall in Doha.
Unlike in their first meeting where China just pulled away in the second half, Gilas Youth began losing steam in the second quarter where China outscored them, 24-12, to open a 44-29 halftime lead.
China virtually sealed its win in the third quarter after holding Gilas Youth to just eight points for a 70-37 cushion, although Gilas Youth somehow finished the game strong to cut the winning margin to a more respectable one.
Zhang Boyuan exploded for 34 points on 12-of-17 shooting including 7-of-9 on triples with seven rebounds and one block.
Huan Sinan added 14 points on 6-of-7 field goals, 11 rebounds, four assists and five blocks, while Wang Ziheng made 12 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Joaquin Ludovice put up 15 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal to lead Gilas Youth, which ended the tournament the same way it started: a loss to China.
Gilas Youth also finished its stint with back-to-back losses after winning four straight games including the quarterfinal win against Japan that earned for themselves a place in next year's FIBA U17 World Cup. (PNA)
