Gilas' FIBA U17 WC struggles continue with 96-34 beating by Spain

Ian Platteeuw scores on a dunk. FIBA

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Gilas Pilipinas continued to struggle in form in the FIBA U17 World Cup after Spain dealt them a 96-34 beat early Monday (Philippine Time) at the Sinan Erdem Dome in Istanbul.

A far cry from how Gilas fared in the first half against Lithuania, Spain never gave the Philippine team an inch in the opening quarter, holding them to just two points, a Joaquin Ludovice layup with 5:17 remaining in the period.

Gilas slowly got their offensive rhythm in the next three quarters, but Spain was just too much despite seemingly slowing t
hem down in the second half.

Maximo Garcia-Plata came close to a triple-double as he led Spain with 15 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists alongside one block.

Guillermo Del Pino added 14 points, one rebound, five assists, and four steals, while Ignacio Campoy and Eric Del Castillo each put up 13 markers with Campoy also grabbing 11 boards.

Bonn Daja once again led Gilas with 12 points and five rebounds.

Gilas will close out its Group A assignment against Puerto Rico on Tuesday night.

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