Gilas boys near FIBA Asia Cup slot

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas boys drubbed Thailand, 87-53, to stay unbeaten in the SEABA U18 Qualifiers yesterday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Andy Gemao sizzled with 19 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals as the Philippine youth team shored up its drive to a qualification in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup.

Only one team from the four-team Southeast Asian tourney will qualify to the continental stage slated in Jordan in September.

Gilas gained a headstart for that bid by trouncing host Malaysia, 97-71, with Gemao also leading the way behind his 17 points.

Gilas eyes a sweep against Indonesia at 4 p.m. today for the coveted seat in the Asian tourney.