Gilas Pilipinas Boys fall to Japan in FIBA U18 Asia Cup QF qualifiers

The Gilas Pilipinas Boys fell to Japan, 85-61, on Friday in the qualification for quarterfinals match of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup in Jordan.

Gilas was trailing 40-31 at the end of the first half before Japan pulled away in the third period and ended the said period with a 64-50 lead. 

Japan continued to pound in the fourth period as it led 76-56 with less than five minutes left and took control of the game until the final buzzer to advance to the quarterfinals.

Mark Esperanza posted 16 points, while Earl Medina added 11 points for the Philippines.

Leon Watanabe led Japan with 15 points, while Riku Segawa added 13 points.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News