Gilas Pilipinas Youth secured its place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup after grinding out a 72-63 victory over Syria on Thursday afternoon.
After finishing the group stage with a 2-1 record—earning wins over Thailand and Chinese Taipei while suffering their lone loss to Australia—the Philippines took care of business against Syria to advance to the final eight.
Gilas Pilipinas Youth Battles Through a Tight First Half
The qualification clash proved to be a difficult battle from the opening tip, with both teams struggling to establish a consistent offensive rhythm. Syria held a slim 15-13 advantage after the first quarter and maintained control for much of the opening half.
The Philippines, however, gradually found its footing and managed to take a narrow 32-31 lead into halftime after Lino Tubongbanua Jr. connected from beyond the arc late in the second period.
Philippines Turns the Game Around After Halftime
Neither side could create much separation in the third quarter as the lead continued to change hands.
Syria regained a 44-42 advantage with just 1:32 remaining in the period, putting Gilas in danger of entering the final quarter trailing.
The Filipinos responded with their biggest run of the game.
George Aidan Green helped ignite the comeback with a crucial basket before JB Cagurungan and the rest of the Gilas defense helped turn the momentum around. The Philippines closed the third quarter on a 9-0 surge to take a 51-44 lead heading into the final frame.
Gilas Pilipinas Youth Holds Off Syria’s Late Push in the Fourth
Syria refused to go away quietly and quickly trimmed the deficit to 51-49 early in the fourth quarter.
Gilas responded once again, this time with an 8-0 run sparked by a Cagurungan three-pointer and capped by another triple from Andrew Xavier Chio. The surge gave the Philippines a 59-49 cushion with just over seven minutes remaining.
The Syrians continued to fight and reduced the deficit to four, 62-58, late in the game. But Ethan Aguas delivered the decisive blow, knocking down a three-pointer to launch another 7-0 Gilas run.
Aguas, Tubongbanua, and Green combined to push the lead to 69-58 with just over two minutes left, effectively ending Syria’s comeback hopes.
Quarterfinal Clash Against Unbeaten China Awaits
Cagurungan finished with 12 points, including four three-pointers, while Tubongbanua added 10 points. Aguas and Atacador contributed 8 points apiece.
George Aidan Green led the way offensively, finishing with 17 points on 8-of-13 shooting while adding 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block.
Syria was led by Majak Awutiak Mathiang Majak, who posted a double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Taym Aldassouki and Yehia Kassas added 15 and 14 points, respectively.
The victory gives Gilas Pilipinas Youth its third consecutive win and sends the Philippines into the final eight of the tournament.
Gilas will now face China, the unbeaten Group C top seed, in the quarterfinals on Friday. The crucial matchup carries added significance, as a deep run in the tournament could secure the Philippines a place in the 2027 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup in Czech Republic.
