Gilas U18 clinches FIBA Asia Cup and sweeps SEABA qualifiers

Gilas Pilipinas Youth clinched a berth in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup after Indonesia defeated Malaysia 77-64 last Saturday in the SEABA Qualifiers held at the MABA Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Earlier, the Gilas U18 squad defeated Thailand 87-53 to have a clean slate during the tournament and assured them one of the top two spots when Indonesia won their own battle.

The Philippines and Indonesia became the top two teams with 2-0 records after the Saturday games. Having been on top of the standings, they already qualified for SEABA in the FIBA U18 tournament to be held from September 2 to 7 in Amman, Jordan.

The two teams will join reigning champion South Korea, host Jordan, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, Mongolia, Chinese Taipei, Lebanon, Kazakhstan, India, and Iran.

Already assured of the slot, Gilas Youth still swept the tournament by dealing Indonesia their first loss. Guard Andy Gemao led the team with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists in their 87-64 win while Wilham Cabonilas added 17 points and grabbed nine boards.