Gilas Pilipinas Youth remained perfect in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers after outlasting Indonesia, 77-68, in a tightly contested match Wednesday at the Bren Z. Guiao Sports Complex.
Led by head coach LA Tenorio, the young Filipino squad built a 14-point cushion midway through the fourth quarter. However, Indonesia mounted a strong comeback that trimmed the lead to just six points late in the game.
Prince Cariño anchored the win with 15 points and six rebounds, while Travis Pascual and Jolo Pascual added 13 and 12 points, respectively. Cariño’s jumper gave the Philippines a 63-49 edge before Indonesia fought back behind Benjamin Piet Hernusi, who finished with 23 points.
With under two minutes left, Hernusi brought Indonesia within six, but Travis Pascual sealed the game with crucial free throws after drawing an unsportsmanlike foul.
The win improved Gilas Youth’s record to 4-0 while handing Indonesia their first loss of the tournament.