GILAS Pilipinas Youth could not sustain its challenge against Japan and bowed, 80-75, Saturday in the 5th-8th classification phase of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup 2026 at the Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium in Ahmedabad, India.
The Philippines fell behind early after Japan took a 25-16 lead in the opening quarter. Gilas trimmed the deficit to five at halftime, 39-34, and kept the game close in the second half, but Japan managed to protect its advantage down the stretch.
Kenichiro Benedict led Japan with 20 points, including three three-pointers, while Cayman Tsuneoka added 15. Kaito Nakamura chipped in 13 points.
Kenji Moral once again carried much of the scoring load for Gilas, finishing with 21 points on an efficient 10-of-17 shooting performance. He also collected four rebounds and four steals.
Patrick Laurence Pasinos and George Aidan Green contributed 10 points each for the Philippines, while Ethan Aguas finished with eight.
The loss relegated the Philippines to the battle for seventh place, where they will battle the loser between the Iran and Chinese Taipei match. (Adrian Co)
