Team Philippines trounces Malaysia, 106-69, in its first SEABA 2015 game

April 16, 2015
By: 
Paul Daza (from news reports); photos by Korrine Andrea Yasay
share this

The victorious Batang Gilas team after trouncing Malaysia, 106-69Team Philippines-a.k.a. Batang Gilas- hit the ground running by trouncing Malaysia, 106-69, in its first game in the ongoing SEABA (Southeast Asian Basketball Association) U16 championship. The game was played on the night of April 15, 2015 at the Xavier University Gymnasium in Cagayan de Oro City.

Five members of Batang Gilas are Ateneo de Manila High School students, and they all contributed to the Philippines' 106-point haul. Gian Mamuyac scored 17 points, while SJ Belangel contributed 10 points. RV Berjay, Dave Ildefonso, and Rap Escalona contributed 4 pts, 3 pts, and 2 pts, respectively.

A qualifier for the 2015 FIBA Asia Under-16 championship, the SEABA U16 tournament is being held in Cagayan de Oro until April 19. The Philippines will face Thailand on April 17 at 6:00 pm, Brunei on April 18 at 6:00 pm, and Indonesia on April 19 at 6:00 pm.  

The Philippines is SEABA U16 defending champion. Its title win in 2013 propelled Batang Gilas to its first appearance ever in the FIBA World U17 championship in 2014.  Prior to being named UAAP Season 77 finals MVP in February 2015, Jolo Mendoza was named MVP of SEABA in July 2013.     Gian Mamuyac, seen here with Korrine Andrea Yasay, scored 17 points in the SEABA game against Malaysia.SJ Belangel, seen here with Korrine Andrea Yasay, scored 10 points in the SEABA game against Malaysia.