Team USA deals Gilas boys 96-point beatdown

MANILA, Philippines -- The Gilas Pilipinas boys absorbed a 96-point beating at the hands of World no. 1 Team USA, 141-45, in arguably the worst outing of the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup at the Ahmet Comert Sports Hall in Turkiye Wednesday night (Manila time).

Koa Peat had an effortless 22 points, seven rebounds and three assists on 11-of-13 shooting in just 15 minutes. Cameron Boozer added 20 markers on an ultra-efficient 10-of-11 clip.

The Americans simply outmatched, outclassed, outmuscled and outshot their Asian opponents right from the get-go, taking a 43-13 lead at the end of the first quarter capped by a dunk by Peat.

USA just continued to blow the Philippines out the water, seemingly turning the contest into a scrimmage as they did not allow the World No. 25 basketball squad more than 13 points in a quarter.

In the fourth period, the Americans poured in 24 unanswered points, turning a 108-40 lead to a 132-40 advantage with 3:35 remaining.

A Paul Diao jumper halted the run, before the mighty squad finished the game with a 9-3 blitz.

The 96-point differential is the largest thus far in the tournament.

Wacky Ludovice spearheaded Gilas with 15 points. Cletz Amos chipped in 10 in the losing effort for the Philippines, which shot 13-of-64 from the field.

The Americans made 62 of their 95 shots, good for 65.3%. They also broke their own assists record with 49 dimes, a day after shattering the record of 40 assists.

Team USA also hauled down 62 rebounds compared to the Philippines’ 24, and recorded 14 steals as they forced Gilas to commit 27 turnovers.

Prior to Wednesday's game, the Philippines suffered a 107-48 loss against Lithuania, a 96-34 defeat against Spain and a 98-53 drubbing against Puerto Rico.

Gilas will still play in the classification round against a still-undetermined team on Friday.