Gilas Boys book shot at third place in U16 Challenge Cup

Gilas Pilipinas Boys advanced to the third-place playoff of the 2026 B.League Under-16 Challenge Cup after finishing with a 2-1 record in the group stage at Sumida City Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.

The Filipinos placed second in Group A, opening the tournament with a 91-81 victory over Chiba before falling to Ryukyu, 73-66, on Wednesday. Gilas quickly bounced back by routing Tachikawa, 105-79, to set up a third-place showdown with Fukuoka on Thursday.

La Salle Green Hills standout Sam Esomchi has been the team's top performer, averaging 19.3 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks through three games.

Esomchi starred in Gilas' opening win, finishing with 23 points, 19 rebounds, and two blocks against Chiba. Dwayne Madrigal and Lawrence Copia provided solid support with 13 and 11 points, respectively.

The Philippines then suffered its lone defeat against Ryukyu despite a determined second-half rally.

After trailing by as many as 13 points before halftime, Gilas mounted a comeback behind Esomchi and Brielle Salazar but could not overcome Ryukyu's explosive backcourt. Eiji Oshiro poured in 36 points, while Yuito Kawamitsu added 26 to hand the Filipinos their first loss of the tournament.

Gilas responded with its most balanced performance against Tachikawa to close out group play.

Lawrence Copia led six players in double figures with 19 points, while Zap Ong added 17. Jayson Mercado contributed 15 points, Josh Saga scored 14, and Esomchi and Salazar chipped in 12 points each as the Filipinos cruised to a 26-point victory.

The Philippines now turns its focus to Thursday's third-place playoff against Fukuoka, aiming to finish the tournament with a podium finish.