FIBA U19: Gilas Pilipinas Youth suffers biggest loss against Russia

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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.