Gilas Youth finishes 14th after final loss to New Zealand

“Maraming Salamat Pilipinas sa suporta!” (Photo: Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas – SBP/Facebook)

The country’s representatives for the FIBA U19 World Cup, the Gilas Youth, will be going back to the Philippines with a 14th-place finish out of 16 participating countries after suffering their fifth and final loss against New Zealand last Sunday, July 7 at the Heraklion University Hall in Greece.

The score ended 76-70, National University Bullpup Carl Tamayo put up a double-double of 24 points and 12 rebounds. Dave Ildefonso and Dalph Panopio provided 16 points each. Big man Kai Sotto was limited to single-digits of eight points, eight rebounds, and four assists throughout the entire game. Gerry Abadiano attempted a crucial shot at the last nine seconds of the game, but it bounced off the rim to prevent a 72-all match in the fourth. Tamayo was also called for an unsportsmanlike foul at the last 3.6 seconds of the fourth, which allowed the Filipinos’ opponents to seal the win. 

For New Zealand, Flynn Cameron led the way at 21 points, six rebounds, and four assists, including a layup at the last minute of the match. Teammate Max Darling contributed 16 points and eight rebounds.

Throughout their entire run, Gilas Youth only saw one victory, which was against Team China, out of a total of six games. With the 14th place finish, they are also considered the third-best team from Asia.