Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 25) – Gilas Pilipinas unleashed its exceptional offensive plays in the second half to demolish India, 88-64, in the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Four Gilas players finished with double digits in the game as Dwight Ramos led all scorers with 17 points. Thirdy Ravena added 15 markers, RR Pogoy contributed 12 points, and Robert Bolick finished with 10 points.
“It was a great team effort. Everybody tried to be involved, especially in the end,” said Ramos.
Gilas’ first half performance was a bit slow, despite a 44-32 halftime lead, after the Indians exerted much defensive floor pressure against the hosts.
The Chot Reyes-mentored Philippine side made offensive adjustments in the second half as they became more aggressive in the field to finish with a 46.3% shooting clip in the game.
Also in the second half, it was the Filipinos’ turn to display scintillating defense against their opponents after grabbing more rebounds (31-22), steals (10-8), and blocks (3-1).
“We expected that we struggle a little bit due to the unfamiliarity. Overall, I was pleased with the effort and everyone pitching in and try to do his role. It’s a first step, we got a long, long way to go,” said Reyes, who noted this is the first competitive game played by the current Gilas lineup.
The Philippines holds a 2-0 record while India is still winless at 0-2.
Gilas will have a tough task on their next assignment on Sunday as they will face fellow unbeaten New Zealand Tall Blacks.
The Scores:
GILAS 88 – Ramos 17, Ravena 15, Pogoy 12, Bolick 10, Montalbo 8, Kouame 6, Erram 5, Williams 4, De Liano 3, Rosario 2, Rangel 0
India 64 – Sekhon 14, Rawat 13, Bhriguvanshi 9, Krishnan 7, Hafeez 6, Singh 6, Prince 5, Singh 4, Kumar 0, Manjuanatha 0
Quarterscores: 18-13, 44-32, 68-47, 88-64
