Gilas Pilipinas Boys bounce back, vent ire on Kazakhstan

Learning from their previous game, Gilas Pilipinas Boys put on an impressive second half performance to rout Kazakhstan, 66-42, and bag their breakthrough win in the 2023 FIBA U16 Asian Championship on Tuesday morning in Qatar.

Staring at a 30-25 deficit at the half, the Philippines completely dominated the third period, 22-3, to turn the tide and take a 14-point advantage into the fourth quarter, 47-33. They then held Kazakhstan to just three field goals in the payoff period before eking out the statement victory.

They surrendered a total of just 12 points in the second half while putting up 41 points on the board for their side.

With the win, Gilas Pilipinas Boys improved to 1-1 in Group D following an opening day loss to China that saw the young Filipinos falter in the second half en route to an 84-67 defeat.

Kazakhstan, meanwhile, dropped to a 0-2 slate.

Kiefer Alas showed the way once again as the second generation baller churned out a double-double outing of 18 points and 10 rebounds on top of three steals and two assists.

Bonn Daja and Joaquin Ludovice each tallied 10 and 11 markers to help the cause.

Alisher Muratuly was among the bright spots for Kazakhstan as he finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, three steals, two assists, and one block while Marlen Issabayev collected nine markers and seven boards.

Gilas Pilipinas Boys will look to improve their placing in the group stage when they take on Malaysia (1-1) early Wednesday while Kazakhstan will have the undefeated China next.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News