Gilas Pilipinas Youth moved one step closer to the 2027 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup after surviving Syria, 72-63, in the playoff round of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup last Thursday at the Veer Savarkar Indoor Stadium in Ahmedabad, India.

George Aidan Green led the way with 18 points as Gilas Youth booked a quarterfinal showdown with China and moved within one victory of securing a spot in next year’s U19 World Cup in Pardubice, Czech Republic.

But the victory did not come easy.

The Philippines appeared to be in control after building a 59-49 lead with 5:56 remaining in the fourth quarter, only for Syria to make one final push.

A floater by Taym Aldassouki sparked a 9-3 run that cut the deficit to four points, 62-58, and put Gilas Youth’s World Cup hopes under enormous strain.

Ethan Aguas, however, delivered when the Philippines needed him most as he drilled a three-pointer with 2:30 remaining to ignite a 7-0 run, allowing Gilas Youth to regain control and eventually seal the victory.

Assistant coach Andre Santos had stressed before the game that the Philippines could not afford to take Syria lightly, knowing that a single defeat would end its World Cup bid.

“We just need to match Syria’s energy and effort and make sure our execution is as good as possible knowing that this is a knockout game,” Santos told DAILY TRIBUNE in an online conversation.

Gilas Youth used its speed to its advantage, scoring 23 fast-break points while also drawing significant contributions from its reserves, who combined for 31 points.

Jan Bennett Cagurungan added 12 points, while Lino Tubongbanua Jr. contributed 10 points for the Philippines.