The Philippines saw their proud streak of FIBA U16 Asia Cup Quarter-Finals appearances come to an abrupt end after falling 79-66 to Bahrain in the Qualification to Quarter-Finals round at the M Bank Arena on Thursday, September 4.

It marked the first time the Southeast Asian side failed to advance to the last eight since the competition’s inception, a bitter milestone for the program that had consistently reached the knockout stages.

Bahrain capitalizes on PH struggles

Missing mainstay Somto Patrick, who was sidelined by an untimely injury during recovery, the Philippines struggled to find rhythm and cohesion on both ends of the floor. Luisito Pascual top-scored with 10 points but hit only 4 of 14 attempts, as the team faltered in key stretches of the second half.

Bahrain, on the other hand, regrouped after a shaky start and surged in the third quarter behind Hassan Abdulkadir’s inside dominance. He registered 15 points and 12 rebounds for his second straight double-double. Mohamed Abdulla poured in a game-high 22 points, while Ali Husain Mohamed and Hussain Fuad chipped in 15 apiece.

The Gulf side pulled away with decisive runs in the third frame and never looked back, ending their own 12-year drought from the Quarter-Finals — their last appearance came in 2013.

Historic setback for the PH

For the Philippines, the loss represented more than just an early exit. It was the first time in tournament history that they failed to make the Quarter-Finals, underscoring the growing level of competition in Asia.

Bahrain advances to face three-time champions China in the Quarter-Finals, while the Philippines are left to regroup and reflect on what went wrong in their campaign.

The Quarter-Finals tip off Friday.