Batang Gilas bows to China in 42-point blowout

MANILA, Philippines – China earned some measure of payback after the heartbreaking one-point loss to Gilas Pilipinas last July in the FIBA Asia Cup as its under-18 squad thrashed Batang Gilas, 91-49, in the FIBA Asia Under-18 Championship in Doha, Qatar.

The Chinese had no remorse for the Batang Gilas national youth team who was overcome from the get go on their way to a 44-25 halftime advantage.  

Early on, the struggles were already clear for Batang Gilas as they were outscored 22-10 in the second frame. In the first two quarters, their shooting woes were brought to fore with an 11-of-47 field goal shooting clip and going one-of-13 from long distance.

Answers did not come for Gilas in the second half as they ended the game shooting 21-of-82 field goals and 4-of-34 three-pointers. China, on the other hand, was far ahead with a 51% shooting clip.

Zhao Rui led China with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists as his team also took a 57-29 advantage on the boards.

Meanwhile, no Batang Gilas scored in double digits with Brandrey Biernes leading the way with 9 points off the bench – all of which he scored in the first half.

Paul Desiderio and David Yu had 8 points apiece. Desiderio, who added two rebounds and two assists to his name, scored all of his points in the first half as well.

Batang Gilas will next face Malaysia on Sunday, August 24 continuing the second round of competition. – Rappler.com

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