Gilas boys lose to Jordan in FIBA U18 Asia Cup

MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas boys fell to Jordan, 62-56, to absorb a first but costly defeat in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup Wednesday at the As Salt Arena Complex in Amman, Jordan.

The Filipinos had a searing start but could not sustain the momentum in the next three periods, where they played catch-up ball to the hosts en route to a 1-1 slate in Group D.

Gilas now has to win its last assignment by a wide margin against unbeaten New Zealand (2-0) Thursday to stay in the hunt for a top-ranked finish and an automatic quarterfinal ticket.

The wards of coach Josh Reyes led in the first quarter, 30-24, and never got the upper hand since then as Jordan waxed hot in the ensuing periods to build a lead as high as 12 en route to a 1-1 slate.

Only Mark Airick Esperanza was the lone bright spot with 14 points as Gilas started to nurse the absence of ace guard Andy Gemao following his metacarpal bone fracture injury from a tune-up against Iran before the opener.

Wilhalm Lawrence Cabonilas, who scored 19 points and had eight rebounds in Gilas’ easy 75-48 win over Indonesia, settled for nine.

Saif Al-deen Saleh and Hadi Ahmmar Alshami put up 14 and 10 points, respectively, to show the way for Jordan in a triumphant redemption after a 71-62 defeat to undefeated New Zealand.