Gilas Youth could not complete its late comeback against Japan, falling 80-75 on Saturday afternoon in the 5th–8th classification round of the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup.
For the second straight game, 18-year-old Chog Moral scored 20 points—following his 29-point explosion against China—but the Philippines still couldn’t translate his performance into a win.
Japan Seizes Control Early
Japan quickly took control after the Philippines briefly led 4-2 in the opening quarter. The Japanese responded with a 16-6 run and built a 25-11 advantage before the period ended.
Gilas managed to stabilize in the succeeding quarters, but Japan continued to hold the upper hand for most of the contest.
Gilas Youth Fights Back
The Philippines gradually chipped away at the deficit and entered halftime trailing by only five points, 39-34.
Gilas continued to battle in the second half, but Japan repeatedly found answers whenever the Filipinos threatened to erase the gap.
JB Cagurungan’s three-pointer brought Gilas within four, 67-63, with just over three minutes left. However, Aru Takahashi immediately answered from deep to restore Japan’s momentum.
Japan carried a 62-53 lead into the final quarter, setting the stage for another furious rally from Gilas.
Chog Moral Sparks a Fourth-Quarter Rally
Moral once again emerged as Gilas’ offensive catalyst, scoring 10 points in the fourth quarter. A three-pointer from Patrick Pasinos followed by consecutive baskets from Moral cut the deficit to four with 4:13 remaining.
The Philippines traded baskets with Japan and later trimmed the margin to five, 74-69, with only 39 seconds left. But Japan held firm.
Kaito Nakamura and Yousef Thompson converted crucial free throws, while Japan’s defense prevented Gilas from completing the comeback. The win secured Japan a higher final ranking in the tournament standings.
Gilas Youth Battles Chinese Taipei for Seventh Place
Moral led the Philippines with 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals. Pasinos and George Aidan Green added 10 points each, while Ethan Aguas chipped in 8.
Japan was paced by Kenichiro Benedict with 20 points, while Cayman Tsuneoka posted 15 points and 9 rebounds. Nakamura contributed 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists.
The defeat marked Gilas Youth’s second straight loss following its quarterfinal elimination against China. The Philippines also fell to Australia in the preliminaries but picked up wins against Chinese Taipei, Thailand, and Syria.
Gilas will now face Chinese Taipei on Sunday in the battle for seventh place. Head coach Juno Sauler and his squad will look to close their U18 Asia Cup campaign on a winning note and secure the best possible finish.
