GILAS Pilipinas Boys secured a place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIBA U18 Asia Cup after defeating Syria, 72-63, in the playoffs on Thursday at the Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium in Ahmedabad, India.
The Philippines overcame a tight contest by pulling away in the final minutes, with Ethan Aguas delivering a crucial three-pointer that ignited a decisive 7-0 run.
Holding a 62-58 advantage late in the fourth quarter, the Philippines got the timely triple from Aguas before Bruce Tubongbanua and Aidan Dayco-Green converted consecutive layups to give Gilas a 69-58 lead with 2:07 remaining.
Luke Atacador and Pat Pasinos then came through with key baskets as the Philippines kept Syria from mounting a comeback.
Dayco-Green led the Gilas attack with 16 points, three rebounds and two assists as the Philippines won its third straight game. JB Cagurungan contributed 12 points, while Tubongbanua and Aguas added 10 points apiece.
The Philippines trailed late in the third period before Dayco-Green scored five consecutive points to trigger a 9-0 run, turning a deficit into a 51-44 lead heading into the fourth.
Syria was led by Majak Awutiak Mathiang Majak, who posted 20 points and 13 rebounds. Taym Aldassouki added 15 points, while Yehia Kassas had 14.
With the victory, Gilas moved into the quarterfinals, where it will face China, the top team from Group C, on Friday. (Adrian Co)
