FIBA U19: Gilas Pilipinas Youth suffers biggest loss against Russia

By Kevin Sox

After being competitive for most of their last two games, Gilas Pilipinas Youth struggled and lost big to powerhouse Russia, 92-64 in their final game of the group stages of the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup in Greece.

Aleksandar Ershov dropped 21 points on an efficient 10/13 clip to go along with 6 rebounds and 4 assists while Nikita Mikhailovskii tallied a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Russians.

Gilas wounded up its elimination round campaign with a 0-3 record in Group C.

Kai Sotto led the nationals with 14 points, 7 boards, and 6 blocks. Dave Ildefonso also had 14 markers, while Carl Tamayo added 12 points.

No thanks to a flat start, the Philippines fell to a double-digit hole in the 1st quarter, 28-15.

Russia maintained the margin although their opponents kept themselves within striking distance until the latter part of the 2nd frame, when a 7-0 run to close the 1st half made it 49-30 for the European powerhouse.

It was all Russia from there, as Gilas shot only 35.3% from the floor compared to Russia’s superior 47.4%. The Philippines also made only 2/19 from three-point range.

Russia out-rebounded Gilas, 53-36, and also out-assisted them, 23-16.

With their winless record, the Philippines will enter the Round of 16 against Serbia on Wednesday night.