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BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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Monday, February 26, 2018
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Philippines posts 3rd win in FIBA World qualifier
MANILA – Gilas Pilipinas recovered from a flat start to subdue Akatsuki Five 89-84 in the 2019 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers last night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Naturalized center Andray Blatche had his best game in the tournament with double-double 18 points and 16 rebounds. The Philippine squad improved to 3-1 in Group B standings.
Jeth Troy Rosario added 14 markers – all in the opening half – while Ilonggo Kiefer Ravena had 13, and Gabe Norwood, Calvin Abueva and Jayson Castro had 8 each.
Trailing 4-20 early in the game, Gilas started its run on 5 straight points by Ravena and conversions from Roger Pogoy and Rosario to come to within 21-22 at first quarter’s end.
Gilas continued its run in the second behind Blatche, June Mar Fajardo and Calvin Abueva for a 41-31 lead but Japan stormed its way back to within 41-43 before Rosario drained a buzzer beating triple for a 46-41 lead at the half.
Japan was still within striking distance early in the third until Gilas pulled to a 10-point lead on inside conversions by Blatche. Abueva and Jayson Castro also contributed to a 74-61 Gilas lead heading into the fourth.
The Philippines kept a double-digit lead early in the fourth up to its largest 85-71 on a basket by Japeth Aguilar but Japan turned to its outside shooting to trim the deficit 77-85.
Consecutive turnovers by Gilas allowed Japan to get close 84-86 with 31 seconds left but a floater by Castro over the defense of Japan center Ira Brown followed by a free throw by Blatche sealed the victory for Gilas.
Makoto Hiejima top-scored with 23 points, including three treys, while Brown added 16 points and eight rebounds for Japan (0-4).
Gilas will return to action for the third window of the Qualifier on June 29 against Chinese Taipei and on July 2 when it plays host to Australia./PN
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