Gonzaga’s Filip Petrusev helps Serbia stay unbeaten at FIBA U19 World Cup

Current and future Gonzaga players continue to be one of the major storylines at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Greece.

GU sophomore forward Filip Petrusev scored 17 points in just 17-plus minutes as Serbia remained unbeaten with an 87-60 victory Wednesday over Philippines.

Petrusev made 7 of 8 field-goal attempts and grabbed eight rebounds. He’s shooting 79.5% from the field through four games.

Sophomore guard Joel Ayayi had 11 points, four rebounds, four assists and five turnovers in France’s 77-46 blowout over Greece. Ayayi made three 3-pointers and 4 of 9 shots overall in 19 minutes.

Ayayi is averaging 20 points per game for France (3-1).

Incoming Zag freshman Oumar Ballo filled the stat sheet in Mali’s 77-62 win over New Zealand. The 6-foot-10 center had 15 points, 17 rebounds, three assists and five blocks in 31-plus minutes. Ballo, who missed the first two games of the event, moved into the starting lineup.

Incoming Gonzaga freshman Martynas Arlauskas finished with four points and three rebounds in 22-plus minutes as Lithuania defeated Australia 91-74. Arlauskas was 1 of 3 from the field and 1 of 2 at the foul line.

Julian Strawther, a class of 2020 wing who has committed to Gonzaga, had 15 points and 10 boards in Puerto Rico’s 77-57 win over Argentina. Strawther made 5 of 9 shots and all four of his free throws in 21 minutes of playing time. He’s averaging 20.3 points and 5.5 rebounds in the tournament.

Jalen Suggs, a standout 2020 guard who is being recruited by Gonzaga, had nine points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals in 13 minutes as the U.S. routed Latvia 116-66. The Americans improved to 4-0.

The tournament resumes Friday. GU players/commits will be on opposing teams when Serbia faces Lithuania and Puerto Rico takes on Mali.