Andy Gemao wows with near triple-double, steers Gilas Boys to FIBA U18 Asia Cup

Andy Gemao clicked from all cylinders, flirting with a triple-double to guide the Gilas Pilipinas Boys to an 87-64 beating of Indonesia and sweep the 2024 FIBA U18 Asia Cup SEABA qualifiers on Sunday. 

The 18-year-old high-leaping guard shone with a game-high 29 points on top of 12 rebounds and eight assists as the youthful squad led by head coach Josh Reyes formalized its entry to the Asia Cup set this September in Jordan. 

The Gilas Boys capped off the tournament unscathed after also blowing past Thailand and host Malaysia to go 3-0. 

Shining on both ends for the Filipinos was Gemao, who picked up where he left from their previous 87-53 blow against Thailand that saw him flaunt with 19 markers, four boards, and two dimes. 

Six straight points from the former Letran Squires standout sent the Gilas Boys to a 66-45 lead in the third while back-to-back dishes from him allowed Wilhelm Cabonilas to complete two of three straight baskets for a 76-49 lead early in the fourth. 

The Indonesians retaliated with a 13-4 blast, but that wasn't good enough to pose a threat against the world no. 25 Philippines as Gemao and Jericho Santos put the finishing kick. 

Cabonilas was once again steady for the Filipinos as he tallied 16 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and two steals while John Earl Medina and Charles Estebal chipped in 14 and 10 markers apiece. 

Cliffton Wijaya paced Indonesia with 12 points, six rebounds, and two assists. 

Gilas Boys will now head to the Asia Cup proper set from September 2 to 9 with the likes of Japan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Chinese Taipei, China, New Zealand, Lebanon, South Korea, Australia, and Jordan already clinching berths at the tournament. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News