AJ Edu was a defensive monster for the Philippines in its game against China on Tuesday. Courtesy of FIBA website

(UPDATED) Dave Ildefonso scored 8 of his 18 points in the pivotal third quarter, as Batang Gilas defeated China 73-63 to close its preliminary round with a perfect record in the FIBA Under 18 Asian Championship at Stadium 29 in Bangkok on Tuesday.

The Filipinos, undefeated in 3 starts, advanced to the quarterfinals outright after topping Group B.

AJ Edu tallied 13 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks, while Kai Sotto contributed 11 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks.

The Philippines, ranked No. 34 in the world, outscored China 23-12 in the third quarter to go up by 17 points at one stage.

China, ranked 12th internationally, cut the deficit down to 6, 68-62, with 38 seconds left in the game, but a jumper by Dalph Panopio and a pair of defensive stops by Edu and Sotto sealed the win for the Filipinos.

The Philippines takes a one-day break before playing the winner between Bahrain and Chinese-Taipei.

The other group winners granted safe passage through the final 8 are Australia, Korea and Iran — all undefeated.

(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.)