Gilas Youth to face Japan for quarterfinal spot in FIBA U18 Asia Cup

Jenny Ortiz September 6, 2024

SiGMA news

Gilas Youth to face Japan for quarterfinal spot in FIBA U18 Asia Cup

Gilas Pilipinas Youth is set to face Japan in a crucial battle for a spot in the quarterfinals of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup. The knockout match will take place in Amman, Jordan, on Friday at 9:30 p.m. Manila time.

The Philippines secured third place in Group D with a 1-2 record, behind group leaders New Zealand and Jordan. Batang Gilas recorded one win against Indonesia, dominating with a 75-48 victory. However, they fell short against Jordan, 62-56, and suffered another defeat to an unbeaten New Zealand squad, 75-58.

Japan, on the other hand, finished second in Group C with a 2-1 slate, positioning them as Gilas’ next hurdle on the road to the quarterfinals.

Japan’s key player to watch: Leon Watanabe

Leon Watanabe, a 6-foot-8 forward from Japan, is expected to be a major challenge for Gilas Youth. Watanabe has experience playing in the Japan B.League’s second division for Rizing Zephyr Fukuoka and was a former teammate of Filipino player Greg Slaughter.

Throughout the group stage, Watanabe has averaged 15.7 points and 8.0 rebounds per game, making him a key player to watch. His teammate Riku Segawa has also been contributing significantly, averaging 13.7 points.

Earl Medina shines despite Gilas’ loss vs. New Zealand

In Gilas Youth’s recent 75-58 loss to New Zealand, John Earl Medina emerged as a standout player, delivering an impressive 30-point performance. Medina scored 23 of those points in the second half, including a near-perfect 7-of-8 from the two-point area and 5-of-12 from beyond the arc. Despite Medina’s efforts, the Filipinos couldn’t close the gap and secure a win. Fellow Gilas player Mark Esperanza added 14 points to the team’s tally, but the unbeaten New Zealand squad, led by Carter Hopoi’s 23 points, proved too strong.

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