MANILA – Batang Gilas’ struggles in the 2018 FIBA U-17 World Cup continued after a 59-95 loss to Mali in the classification round at the Newell’s Old Boys in Rosario, France on Friday night (Saturday in Manila).
Siriman Kanuote led the way with 30 points, including seven triples, to go along with eight rebounds and seven assists, while Oumar Ballo had double-double 28 points and 19 boards for Mali.
Yukien Andrada and Raven Angelo Cortez top-scored with 10 points apiece for the Philippines. Ilonggo Gerry Abadiano and Kai Sotto struggled offensively after being held to combined 11 points.
Mali opened the match with a 6-0 lead but Batang Gilas quickly countered on shots by Abadiano to take a 11-10 lead on Terrence Fortea triple. Back-to-back hits by Andrada gave the Philippines a 15-14 edge.
Batang Gilas failed to hang on to the advantage as the Malians unloaded a huge run behind Kanuote and Ballo to open up a 43-32 lead at the half.
Mali pulled away for good in the second half with Kanuote converting his outside shots – and Batang Gilas struggling with its offense – for its biggest lead in the match at 36 points.
It was Batang Gilas’ fifth straight loss in the tournament. The Philippines will still have two games left in its schedule where it can end up on 13th place at the most./PN
