THE Gilas Pilipinas Youth clinched a spot in the 2024 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup after an unexpected triumph over Japan in the Asian Championship on Saturday at Al-Rayyan Indoor Hall in Doha, Qatar.
Kieffer Alas’ heroics led Gilas Pilipinas Youth to a 64-59 victory over Japan. The young gun led the team in scoring with 29 points, along with 9 rebounds and 3 assists.
He scored 14 of his 29 points in the third quarter, which proved decisive in the Gilas Youth’s comeback victory in the quarterfinals.
Kieffer Alas, brother of PBA star Kevin, is also the competition’s highest scorer, averaging 18.6 points and 10.6 rebounds in the five games they’ve played.
Behind him are Joaquin Ludovice, the game’s hero against Korea, who scored 11 points, and Kurt Velasquez, who contributed 10 more points to bring their team to victory.
The Gilas Youth suffered a setback to Australia in their semi-final matchup, losing 92-36, early Sunday morning.
Despite the devastating defeat, the Gilas Youth still have a chance to complete a podium finish, as they will have to face China in the bronze medal match on Sunday night.
China won their first meeting in the elimination round, 84-67.
The Gilas Youth will face a hard task creating a game plan that will allow them to upset China.
For the time being, let us rejoice as the Gilas Pilipinas Youth U16 were able to book a ticket and will be competing in the 2024 FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup in Türkiye.
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