John Earl Medina erupted for 30 points--the most for a Filipino in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup since Kiefer Ravena's 37--but could not lift Gilas Pilipinas U18 past the undefeated New Zealand in the group stage.
The Gilas Pilipinas U18 squad will face Japan in the playoff to the quarterfinals, after losing to the undefeated New Zealand in Group D of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup, 75-58.
The Junior Tall Blacks opened the ball game with a 17-6 lead, eventually blowing the gap up to 19 points and never looked back.
Carter Hopoi registered a double-double for New Zealand with 23 points and 16 rebounds.
Meanwhile, Adamson University guard John Earl Medina erupted for 30 points from 12 of 20 field goals.
It's the most points made by a Filipino in the U18 Asia Cup since Kiefer Ravena scored 37 against Japan in 2010.
Mark Esperanza added 14 more, but it was not enough to stay within fighting distance.
The Philippines will take on Japan on Friday, September 6, 9:30 p.m., Philippine time.
Must-watch for the Philippines is Riku Segawa, who is second in the tournament in assists with an average of 6.7. He is also second when it comes to steals with three per game.
Leon Watanabe is also the second most efficient player on the floor with a 21.7 percentage.