Russia blasts Gilas Youth in last FIBA U19 WC group stage battle

Russia was just too much for Gilas Youth. FIBA
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Russia dealt Gilas Pilipinas Youth a bad beat in their last assignment in the group stage of the FIBA U19 World Cup, winning, 92-64, at the Heraklion University Hall early Wednesday (Philippine Time).

Unlike its first two matches where it had its chances, Gilas Youth was simply overpowered by Russia in this one as the latter, despite giving up the game's first basket, rolled past the former and never looked back.

Alexandr Ershov tallied 21 points, six rebounds, and four assists to lead Russia, which is awaiting the result of the Argentina-Greece game being played simultaneously at the Dyo Aorakia Arena as of posting to determine its final rank in Group C.

NIkita MIkhailovskii added 16 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists.

Kai Sotto and Dave Ildefonso each made 14 markers for Gilas Youth, which slipped to the fourth seed in Group C and will face Serbia in the knockout stages early Thursday (Philippine Time).

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno