Gilas Youth raring to avoid shutout

MANILA, Philippines — After two straight setbacks, Gilas Pilipinas youth squad shoots for a breakthrough win today when it wraps up its group stage campaign against Russia in the FIBA U19 World Cup at the Heraklion Arena in Greece.

Tipoff is at 1:30 a.m. (Manila time) with the Phl Youth eyeing to barge into the win column to avoid lowest seeding in Pool C heading into the knockout stage.

Sporting a 0-2 card at fourth place, a win against Russia (1-1) would push Gilas youth to third place or even all the way to second spot in case of a three-way tie should unbeaten Argentina (2-0) top Greece (1-1) in the other Pool C match today.

This scenario would allow 30th-ranked Team Phl to avoid a tough crossover knockout battle with world No. 4 Serbia (2-0) or No. 5 France (2-0) from Pool D.

Puerto Rico (0-2) and China (0-2) are the other teams in Pool D. 

But Gilas youth coach Sandy Arespacochaga sees a tough mountain to climb.

“Our boys fought hard against Greece and Argentina. Going up against Russia would be even tougher,” Arespacochaga told The STAR as Russia looms to be an even more formidable foe following its 83-75 win over Greece the other day.