BATANG Gilas started off its 2018 Fiba Under-18 Asian Championship on a good note, thumping Lebanon, 75-53, Sunday at Stadium 29 in Nonthaburi, Thailand.

Dave Ildefonso showed off his veteran know-hows, dropping all of his 19 points in the first half, where the Philippines built a 41-33 halftime edge and establish control of the game.

Britain-based Fil-Nigerian center AJ Edu poured a double-double of 17 points, 12 rebounds, and five blocks, as fellow tower Kai Sotto added his own 12 points and eight boards.

Dalph Panopio was as stellar in his Batang Gilas debut, finishing with 12 points, six assists, four rebounds, and three steals.

The Filipinos’ height advantage was truly evident in the duel, dominating the boards with 68 rebounds to Lebanon’s 41.

Batang Gilas now shifts its focus against United Arab Emirates at 6:45 p.m. on Monday.

Alexander Frederick Zanbaka was the lone bright spot for the Lebanese with 12 points and five rebounds in the losing effort.

The Scores:

PHILIPPINES 75 – Ildefonso 19, Edu 17, Panopio 12, Sotto 12, Amsali 5, Ramirez 5, Chiu 2, Cortez 2, Abadiano 1, Lina 0, Oczon 0, Torres 0.

LEBANON 53 – Zanbaka 12, Kopaly 9, Dargham 7, Bedikian 6, Kasab 6, Htait 5, Khoueiry 3, Khayat 2, Mougharbel 2, Saade 1, Karime 0, Samaha 0.

Quarters: 25-15, 41-33, 59-41, 75-53.