Gilas zaps Kuwait to open FIBA U16 Asia campaign

Zain Mahmood played superb for Gilas. FIBA

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Gilas Pilipinas opened its bid in the FIBA U16 Asian Championship with a sound 82-45 beating of Kuwait early Tuesday (Philippine Time) at the Al-Gharafa Sports Club Multi-Purpose Hall in Doha.

Gilas never wasted time in stomping its dominance and raced to a 25-9 lead at the end of the first quarter, and they never looked back from there.

Zain Mahmood led Gilas with 16 points on 5-of-7 field goals, five rebounds, two steals, and one block, while Jared Bahay added 12 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals.

Gilas will play Japan later Tuesday for an outright quarterfinal spot.

Adel Al-Saied made 12 markers, nine boards, two dimes, and two steals for Kuwait, which fell to 0-2 in Group C action.

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