2014 FIBA U17: Unbowed Batang Gilas exits after brave performance against France

Batang Gilas Pilipinas bowed out of the 2014 FIBA Under 17 Championship after an 86-57 round of 16 loss to powerhouse France, Tuesday night Manila time.

After dropping their first three assignments in the group stage, the Philippines got a tough assignment in France, which topped their own group.

For the first 20 minutes of the game, Batang Gilas cast some doubt on the French as they stuck with them basket for basket and convincing some Filipino fans that an upset was possible.

However, France’s height proved to be too much as they pounded the ball down low in the second half to come away with the victory. The French will move on to the round of eight while the Philippines will still play in the qualification round to settle the final spot in the standings.

The French connected on 51% of their field goals while the Philippines only managed 36%. The winning side got 10 threes with the Filipinos only managing two. Batang Gilas was again badly outrebounded 59-31.

Matt Nieto led the Philippines in scoring with 12 points while Mike Nieto had an outstanding outing with 10 rebounds, four assists, four steals, and a block.
 
The supremely talented Amina Noua led France with 21 markers. Stephane Gombauld portrayed their might in size, grabbing 20 rebounds.

Like their game against Team U.S.A., Batang Gilas stayed close in the early moments of the first quarter. but this time they were able to keep the score close after the first ten minutes as they were only down by three 20-17.

France ereceted its first double-digit spread in the second period at 41-29 but Michael Dela Cruz hit back-to-back triples late in the period to cut down the French lead down to six points at 41-35 at halftime.

Mike Nieto led Batang Gilas at the half with eight points, five rebounds, and four assists. Jolo Mendoza chipped in seven points while Matt Nieto and Michael Dela Cruz chipped in six apiece.

Amina Noua led France with 13 markers. Stephane Gombauld grabbed 11 rebounds in the first 20 minutes for their side.

France had a whopping 33-13 advantage in rebounding but the Philippines stayed close as they forced 13 turnovers while only committing seven.

The Philippines could not sustain their second quarter run as they slowly fell behind again. The French led 61-47 with one quarter left in the competition for the losing team.

Noua continued to be the difference for France as he scored the fourth quarter’s first basket to extend their lead to 16. Matt Nieto responded with a short jumper on the next possession for a 63-49 count in favor of France.

The French then blew the game wide open by pounding the rock inside and getting easy points off transition. They built a 72-51 lead with a little over six minutes left in the game.