By REYNALD MAGALLON
The Gilas Pilipinas Boys team completed a sweep of the elimination round with a dominant, 96-61 victory over Malaysia in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA qualifiers at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga, Thursday, May 29.
The wards of head coach LA Tenorio unleashed a back-breaking 21-5 run to tear the game apart right on the opening frame and warm up for their Finals showdown against Indonesia on Friday, May 30.
The Gilas Boys, after barely passing their first real test with a nine-point victory over the Indonesian, showed some sense of urgency and immediately buckled down to work on both ends of the floor.
Travis Pascual and Jeremiah Antolin led Gilas with 15 points apiece while Prince Carino had a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds to go with two steals and two blocks.
Everaigne Cruz added 14 while Jhello Lumague and Jolo Pascual had 10 apiece.
Finishing at the top of the standings with a 5-0 record, Gilas is now assured at least second place finish, claiming one of the three tickets to the FIBA U16 Asia Cup in August and in Mongolia.
But the Nationals only have their eyes set on the title and tournament sweep though they have to do it against Indonesia which is riding the momentum of its 74-51 win over Vietnam in the last day of eliminations.
Thailand, meanwhile, kept Singapore winless with an 89-83 win.
