Batang Gilas shakes off rusty start, edges Malaysia in FIBA U-16 opener
Batang Gilas' Kai Sotto battles for the rebound against teammate RC Calimag.
FOSHAN, China -- The Philippines labored through a lethargic 62-57 win over Malaysia to kick off its campaign in the 2018 FIBA Asia Under-16 Championships at the Foshan Lingnan Mingzhu Gymnasium here.
Despite standing at least four inches taller than the Malaysians who paraded a lineup with an average height of six-feet flat, it was the Philippines’ Southeast Asian neighbor who played more courageously as they repeatedly took it to the heart of the Filipinos’ defense.
And that strategy worked right off the bat as Malaysia led by seven points, 21-14, halfway through the second period after a John Tang jumper. Although the Batang Gilas were able to battle back to take the half, 30-27, the Malaysians returned with renewed vigor come the third period.
Coach Lee Kheng Tian’s boys (he also coached Malaysia during the 2017 Seaba tournament where his team finished second to the Philippines), retook the lead once last time at 37-36, at the 5:51 mark of the third quarter after Tang drilled a triple.
Kai Sotto scored four straight points, including a dunk in the lane to give the Philippines the lead for good. After both sides struggled to put points on the board, RC Calimag hit a three for a 45-39 lead.
The Philippines looked to finally blow out the pesky Malaysians after they led, 49-40, after 30 minutes of play, but turnovers and poor shooting allowed the latter to creep back into the game.
Leading 62-57 with 25 seconds left to play, point guard Forthsky Padrigao and forward Joshua Lazaro botched four straight free throws to give Malaysia an opening to steal the game. But Khor Hao Wen missed two free throws and Tan Chee Way came up short on a 15-foot jumper off a steal.
Terrence Fortea led the Philippines with 15 points while Kai Sotto added 12 points and 13 rebounds. Raven Cortez also added a double double of 12 points and 12 boards.
For Malaysia, John Tang was the only scorer in double digits with 17 points.
Bolstered by the tandem of Sotto and Cortez, the Philippines grabbed more rebounds, 79-60, while scoring 16-8 second chance points.
The Philippines earns a bye in the next playdate, Tuesday, but returns to action at 11 a.m. Wednesday against tournament favorite Australia.
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