Batang Gilas falls to South Korea in FIBA Asia U18

MANILA, Philippines – After opening their 2014 FIBA Asia U-18 Championship campaign with a resounding 85-60 win over Jordan, Batang Gilas found themselves on the losing end in the following game as they lost to South Korea 87-69, on Thursday, August 21, in Doha, Qatar. 

Ranbill Tongco had his second consecutive impressive output, registering 24 markers and going 5-of-8 from long range. 

Mark Anthony Dyke also played well, putting up 10 points and 13 rebounds while Aaron Black, son of champion head coach Norman Black, finished with 8 markers and 5 boards. 

Former La Salle Greenhills stalwart Kobe Paras had his second straight underwhelming game, as he finished with six points for the second straight day and went a paltry 3-of-14 from the field.  

Jose Go and Paul Desiderio combined for 8 points, while the latter pulled down 8 rebounds as well. 

The Koreans got off to a quick start by establishing a six-point lead, 23-17, at the end of the first quarter. Both teams played each other to a standstill all throughout the second period, as Korea led by the same amount of points entering the half, 45-39. 

After Tongco converted a basket to get Batang Gilas within seven, 63-56, early in the fourth period, Korea uncorked an 8-2 run that opened the flood gates for their team.

Thanks to a conversion by Black, the Philippine team cut the lead to 11, 71-60, with 6:46 to go. However, Batang Gilas then went ice cold from the field and were not able to put points on the scoreboard until Tongco made two free throws at the 3:28 mark. 

By then, Korea was already ahead by 14, 76-62, and ran away with the victory. 

Kim led the Koreans by putting up 17 points, while terrorizing the Philippines’ big men by pulling down 15 rebounds and blocking 7 shots. 

Song and Kwon also had 17 points each for the winning team. 

Batang Gilas outrebounded their adversaries, 47-39, but Korea had more assists, 25-14. 

Korea, furthermore, forced 23 Philippine turnovers – 14 of which coming by form of steals. 

Scores

South Korea (87): Kim 17, Song 17, Kwon 17, Jeon 12, Byeon 10, Park 4, Jang 4, Kim 3, Yoo 2, Lee 1, Yang 0, Pack 0 

Philippines (69): Tongco 24, Dyke 10, Black 8, Escoto 7, Paras 6, Go 4, Desiderio 4, Santillan 3, Caracut 2, Mosquedo 1, Yu 0, Bienes 0

Quarter Scores: 23-17, 45-39, 61-54, 87-69 

– Rappler.com