Gilas Pilipinas Boys fall to China in FIBA U16 Asian Championship opener

Gilas Pilipinas Boys ran out of steam in the second half to absorb an 84-67 loss to China to kick off their 2023 FIBA U16 Asian Championship campaign on Sunday night in Qatar.

Separated by just a point at the half, 44-43, with China holding the one-point advantage, the Philippines was then outscored in the third quarter, 24 to 16, with Zhang Boyuan and Fu Wenhao leading the way for the Chinese.

China never looked back since then with Huan Sinan sinking a free throw to complete a three-point play opportunity off a foul from Paul Diao as their lead ballooned to its highest of 19 with 44 seconds left in the fourth quarter, 84-65.

The Filipino youngsters fell to 0-1 while the Chinese improved to 1-0 in the team standings of Group D.

Kiefer Alas picked up where he left off for Gilas Pilipinas Boys, finishing with 20 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and one block in this game. He averaged 21.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game in the team's campaign in the U16 SEABA qualifiers held earlier this year.

CJ Amos chipped in 13 markers, four boards, and a steal in the losing effort.

Zhang tallied 18 points on top of three rebounds and one block as Fu collected 14 markers laced with 10 boards.

The Philippines will next take on Kazakhstan early Tuesday while China will have Malaysia on late Monday night.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News