HOOPS

PH U16 continues winning tradition, rules SEABA anew

Rey Joble

Members of the Batang Gilas Pilipinas team had just continued the winning tradition of their predecessors in the Southeast Asia Basketball Association U16 Championship and on Wednesday, the young Pinoy cagers completed a sweep capped by their 77-65 triumph over host team Indonesia at the GOR Kertajaya in Surabaya, Indonesia.

Kieffer Alas played yet another solid game and led the scoring parade with 19 markers and emerged as the most consistent producer for the Batang Gilas team of coach Josh Reyes.

Alas, son of multi-titled coach Louie, and younger brother of Philippine Basketball Association star, Kevin, ended up with 19 points.

He ended the final game with a double-double performance as he also pulled down 12 rebounds to go along with five assists, two steals and two blocks in a solid, all-around performance.

But while Alas has been consistent, the rest of the team was able to do its share in ensuring the country's continuous domination in the tournament.

The Philippines has been the champion of this event for the fifth straight time since it began in 2011.

Next in line for the Batang Gilas is the coming FIBA U16 Asian Championship which will be held form 17 to 24 September in  Doha, Qatar.