Gilas Youth beats Japan, secures FIBA U17 World Cup slot

The magical run of Gilas Youth continues after a 64-59 win over Japan in the semifinal of the FIBA U16 Asian Championship at the Al-Gharafa Sports Club Multi-Purpose Hall in Doha Saturday.

With Gilas Youth entering the semifinal, they have secured a slot for the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup in Turkey along with Australia, New Zealand and China.

With Japan closing in, 59-60, with one minute and 59 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Bonn Daja sank back-to-back jumpers and finished the game strong.

Kieffer Alas flirted for a double-double against the Japanese, secoring 29 points and nine rebounds for the Philippines.

Shogo Takata had 12 points for Japan in a losing effort.