Gilas Pilipinas Boys entered the winning column of the 2023 FIBA U16 Asian Championships after defeating Kazakhstan, 66-42, on Tuesday, September 19, in Doha, Qatar.
Kiefer Alas finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds while Joaquin Ludovice added 11 points as Philippines now has one win and one loss in the tournament.
After ending the second quarter with five point deficit, 30-25, the Filipinos limited Kazakhstan to only 12 points in the second half.
Noah Banal and Bonn Daja made back-to-back three point baskets that started a 13-point run which allowed Gilas to go up, 47-33, going into the final period.
Alisher Muratuly made two straight baskets from downtown in order for Kazakhstan to close the gap, 49-42.
However,Daja managed to stop the bleeding, and Kazakhstan went scoreless in the remaining six minutes of the game as Philippines secured the win.
Muratuly chipped in 15 points to pace Kazakhstan, which dropped 0-2 in the tournament.
The Filipinos will seek to secure their second win in the competition when they face Malaysia on Wednesday, September 20, in Doha
