Gilas Youth Suffers Opening Defeat to Chinese Taipei in FIBA U16 Asia Cup

MANILA, Philippines – The Gilas Youth team experienced a challenging start at the FIBA U16 Asia Cup, falling 106-82 to Chinese Taipei at the Buyant Ukhaa Sport Complex in Mongolia on Sunday, August 31. Despite a commendable effort from Prince Cariño, who scored 23 points on efficient 8-of-11 shooting, the Filipino side struggled to secure sufficient offensive support and fell to a 0-1 record in Group B.

Coach LA Tenorio’s squad found themselves trailing early, down 10-21 within the opening six minutes, and the deficit only widened to as much as 30 points as they struggled to keep pace. Chinese Taipei was led by Wang I-le, who posted 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals, supported by Hsiao Cheng-Che and Lu Shu-Wei with 13 and 10 points respectively. The victory allowed Chinese Taipei to share the top spot in the group alongside New Zealand.

Jeremiah Antolin Jr. emerged as the only other Gilas Youth player reaching double digits with 11 points and 7 rebounds. Although the Filipinos outperformed their opponents in several statistical categories—including field goal percentage (44.78% to 43.96%), rebounds (55 to 37), and assists (24 to 22)—they were plagued by 36 turnovers, 20 more than Chinese Taipei. These turnovers resulted in 35 points for the opponent, accounting for a third of their total score.

Additional contributions came from Ethan Tan-Chi and Everaigne Cruz with 9 points each, while Brian Orca Jr. recorded a double-double with 7 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 steals. Gilas Youth is slated to face Indonesia on Monday, September 1, who were also defeated heavily by New Zealand earlier in the day.

The Philippines must secure at least a top-three finish in Group B to progress, with the group winner advancing directly to the final eight and the second and third placed teams moving on to the quarterfinal qualification round.