Gilas boys blast Indonesians

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas youth unleashed a swashbuckling second-quarter run to drub Indonesia, 75-48, for a flying start in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup last Monday at the As Salt Arena Complex in Amman, Jordan.

The Filipinos had a hard time pulling away in the opening quarter, 15-14, before launching a searing 23-2 barrage that took the fight out of the Indonesians heading home.

World No. 25 Gilas led by as many as 36 points even without star guard Andy Gemao, who was ruled out of the tournament on the eve of the opener due to a metacarpal bone fracture sustained in a tune-up against Iran.

Still, the Nationals proved to too good for their Southeast Asian rivals with Wilhalm Lawrence Cabonilas showing the way with 19 points, eight rebounds, a steal and a block in only 19 minutes of play.

Nicolash Drei Lorenzo and John Earl Medina added 12 and 11 points, respectively, as seven more players hit the scoring board in their easy 27-point victory.

Gilas faces host Jordan (0-1) today.