Batang Gilas blows out Bahrain by 40 to open FIBA Asia U16 bid

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines’ national under-16 basketball team opened their 2015 FIBA Asia under-16 championship campaign on a high note after a blowout victory over Bahrain, 98-58, at the Kelapa Gading Sports Mall in Jakarta, Indonesia on Thursday, October 29.

Coached by Michael Oliver, the Batang Gilas team took over from the opening tip as they raced off to a 22-13 lead after one period and didn’t look back the rest of the way. 

Will Allen Gozum led the way for the winning side with 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks, while second-generation talent Shaun Ildefonso top-scored for the team with 16 points. Gomez De Liano also played well for Batang Gilas, registering 15 points.

Abdulhusain led Bahrain with 7 points.

Batang Gilas was slotted in Group C prior to the tournament along with North Korea, Thailand, and Bahrain, but since North Korea withdrew from the tourney, the Philippines and their groupmates automatically advance to the next round of the competition.

In the next round, Batang Gilas will move to Group F along with Thailand, Bahrain, and the top 3 teams of Group D (Iraq, China, South Korea, India).

During the 2013 edition of the tournament, the Jamike Jarin-coached Batang Gilas won silver after falling to China in the finals, 85-78.

The top 3 finishers of the 2015 FIBA Asia under-16 tourney will earn spots in the 2016 FIBA Under-17 World Championship in Spain.

Batang Gilas’ next game is against Thailand on Friday. – Rappler.com