The Philippines still has a chance to salvage its FIBA U17 World Cup campaign when it takes on either Guinea or Australia in the battle for the 15th place on Sunday, July 7.
A win remained elusive for Gilas Pilipinas Youth in the FIBA U17 World Cup after it faltered anew on Saturday, July 6, this time in the hands of China, 85-66.
China did not waste time in disposing of its embattled Asian neighbor, going on a 29-12 tear in the opening period of their classification match at the Ahmet Comert Sports Hall in Turkey.
Li Yuezhou led the Chinese assault with 24 points and 12 rebounds while He Wenwei churned out 17 markers.
Zhang Boyuan had 11 points, while Fu Wenhao and Wang Hongze added 10 apiece.
China hiked its lead to as many as 30 points after Wenwei’s booming triple on top of the key at the 2:41 mark of the third period.
Although four Filipinos finished in double figures, the Philippines simply did not have enough weapons in its arsenal to keep up with the Asian powerhouse.
The country’s lone bright moment came in the fourth period after a 7-to-nothing run courtesy of Edryn Morales’ two shots from deep. But the Filipino dribblers failed to capitalize on that as they still trailed China, 73-54 with 6:38 left.
Joaquin Ludovice was at the forefront of Gilas boys' brave stand with 15 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Cletz Amos fired 14 points, while Edryn Morales and Bonn Daja combined for 24 points and 11 rebounds for the Youth team.
The Philippines still has a chance to salvage its campaign and come up with a lone victory when it takes on either Guinea or Australia for the 15th spot in the 16-team field on Sunday, July 7.