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Australia sets up semis battle with Batang Gilas after rout of Japan

Australia will meet the Philippines in an international game for the first time since that big commotion last month. FIBA
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--An interesting semifinal will ensue in the FIBA U18 Asian Championship after Australia mauled Japan, 88-52, in the quarterfinal round of the tournament at the Stadium 29 in Nonthaburi, Thailand on Thursday night.

The Teen Boomers, who also booked a spot in the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup, slowly but surely pulled away from the Teen Akatsuki 5 to pull off the rout.

Kyle Bowen (22 markers and 13 rebounds) and Samson Froling (12 points and 11 rebounds) each tallied double-doubles for Australia, which will take on Batang Gilas in the semifinals on Friday night.

The showdown will be the first time the Philippines and Australia will collide in a FIBA-sanctioned match since the infamous brawl that ensued between their senior counterparts in Bocaue on July 2.


Keisei Tominaga dropped 16 markers, one dime, and two steals for Japan.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno