MANILA — Gilas Pilipinas got the offensive explosion it badly needed from Robert Bolick Jr., Jerrick Ahanmisi and Sedrick Barefield as the national squad demolished Kazakhstan, 109-78, to bounce back in the 2026 Asian Games men’s basketball tournament on Saturday night in Nagoya, Japan.
After all three guards were held scoreless in the Filipinos’ opening-game loss to Bahrain, Bolick, Ahanmisi and Barefield combined for 53 points to power Gilas to its first victory and improve its preliminary-round record to 1-1.
Ahanmisi caught fire from long distance and finished with a team-high 22 points, highlighted by seven three-pointers, while Bolick poured in 20 markers. Barefield chipped in 11 points as the Philippines rediscovered its offensive rhythm.
Determined to avoid another sluggish start, Gilas came out aggressively and unleashed an 11-0 run on the way to an 18-5 advantage.
Kazakhstan managed to cut the deficit late in the opening quarter, but the Filipinos remained ahead, 18-15, entering the second period.
Bolick took over offensively in the second quarter as Gilas pushed its advantage to as many as 21 points.
Kazakhstan refused to go away and mounted a rally that brought it to within six, but the Philippines regained its composure and wrested control of the contest.
Gilas broke the game open in the second half, with Barefield and Ahanmisi providing crucial baskets as the Filipinos rebuilt their advantage to 23 points.
The Philippines continued to pour it on from there, eventually stretching the lead to as many as 31 points before completing the convincing victory.
Calvin Oftana, who erupted for 31 points in Gilas’ loss to Bahrain, added 12 points, while Zavier Lucero flirted with a double-double after finishing with 10 points and nine rebounds.
Anton Bykov paced Kazakhstan with a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Abat Marat and Askar Maydekin contributed 12 points apiece. Konstantin Neff added 11 markers as Kazakhstan dropped to 0-2.
The Philippines will close its preliminary-round campaign against powerhouse China this afternoon, with a victory boosting Gilas’ bid to advance to the quarterfinal round./PN
