MANILA, Philippines — Host Philippines is off and running in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers.
The Gilas Pilipinas Youth team immediately flexed its muscles and stormed to a flying 2-0 start in the six-nation meet at the Bren Z. Guiao Sports Complex in San Fernando, Pampanga.
The youngsters under debuting coach LA Tenorio fired a loud warning shot in Saturday night’s inaugurals in the form of a comprehensive 113-62 romp over Vietnam.
This they followed up with a dominant 87-42 dispatching of Thailand last night in a marquee duel of opening-day winners. The Thais prevailed over Malaysia, 56-47, on Match Day 1.
Tenorio’s charges set the tone for the rout with an overwhelming 31-0 start. The Thais only averted a complete shutout on a split by Alexander Junior David with nine seconds left in the first canto.
Carl Gabriel delos Reyes turned in 16 points, nine rebounds and two assists while Prince Carino had 15 and seven, Everaigne Cruz shot 12 and Jhello Lumagub hauled down 15 boards to go with four markers, in the Sunday massacre.
The swashbuckling start against the Thais was in stark contrast to the way the Filipino U16s commenced hostilities against Vietnam 24 hours earlier.