Team Philippines struggled to find a scorer in their 48-107 defeat to Lithuania on Sunday, marking the start of the FIBA Under-17 World Cup 2024 group stage in Istanbul, Turkey.
Missing their 6’2” wingman Kieffer Alas, Gilas Pilipinas was visibly lacking in offensive spunk, especially when Alas, who averages 15.4 points per game, was sidelined due to an ankle injury he sustained during a tune-up match, leaving the team without a key player.
Lithuania, led by Arturas Butajevas and Kajus Mikalaskausas, quickly took control of the game. They opened with a 19-9 run in the first period and secured a 23-11 lead by the quarter’s last minute.
Butajevas, who led all scorers with 22 points and grabbed nine rebounds, extended Lithuania’s advantage to 39-25 with a three-point play and a jumper midway through the second quarter. Mikalaskausas added 15 points, while Erikas Sirgdas contributed 14 points.
Gilas struggled offensively, scoring only seven points in the third period. Lithuania capitalized on this, building an 81-36 lead heading into the final quarter, highlighted by a three-pointer from Sirgdas with 27 seconds left.
Cletz David Amos was the top scorer for Team Philippines, contributing 10 points.
Gilas U17 will look to regroup and bounce back in their next game against Spain on Sunday.