RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s U-18 men’s basketball team is now turning its focus to securing third place at the FIBA U-18 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers 2026, after falling 50–68 to host nation Thailand in the semifinals--a defeat that ended their hopes of advancing to the continental finals in Ahmedabad, India, this August.

The Red-and-White will face Malaysia in the bronze-medal match on Sunday at 15:30 Jakarta Time. Head coach Ismael admitted the team struggled against Thailand’s physicality and size.

“Our field goals, especially from three-point range, were poor. Their bigger and stronger players made it difficult for us,” he said in a statement from Jakarta on Sunday, June 14, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The semifinal loss at Chan Ka Pho Gymnasium, Krabi, snapped Indonesia’s unbeaten run, which included group-stage victories over Laos (89-35) and Malaysia (65-55).

Ismael noted that the current development program is still in transition, as the coaching staff adapts concepts from the senior national team. “We must bounce back after the defeat and fight hard to secure third place,” he stressed.

Team manager Cokorda Raka Satrya Wibawa confirmed that only the finalists qualify for the Asia Cup, ruling Indonesia out of contention. “It’s true we won’t advance, as only two teams go through,” he explained.

In the semifinal, Indonesia kept pace early, trailing just 14-15 after the first quarter. But Thailand, led by Krit Issariyachiwin, pulled away in the second period, exploiting the paint and perimeter to build a 32-22 lead.

By the third quarter, Indonesia’s top scorer from previous games, Jaya James, was contained, and the gap widened to 33-50. The final margin stood at 59-68, with Thailand’s Ronnie Allsopp leading all scorers with 16 points. Indonesia captain Steven Sebastian registered a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds. ***