Gilas boys drop opener

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas men conceded a 107-48 defeat to powerhouse Lithuania at the start of the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup yesterday at the Sinan Erdem Dome in Istanbul, Turkey.

Gilas ace Kieffer Alas injured his knee on the eve of their debut, giving the Gilas boys an added handicap opposite the world No. 7 Lithuanians, who flexed their muscles in the 59-point romp.

After a flat 9-22 start, world No. 25 Gilas regrouped to strike within 25-34 only for the 2022 World Cup semifinalist Lithuania to unleash a searing 47-11 salvo to run away for good at 81-36 heading home.

CJ Amos was the lone bright spot with 10 points.