Gilas beats Congo in Spain friendly

The Philippines’ Andy Mark Barroca attempts a floater against Congolese defenders. CIGNAL-SBP PHOTO
The Philippines’ Andy Mark Barroca attempts a floater against Congolese defenders. CIGNAL-SBP PHOTO

MANILA – Gilas Pilipinas got a huge lift from Andray Blatche and Japeth Aguilar. It toppled Congo, 102-80, in a closed door friendly at the Palacio Multiusos de Guadalajara in Spain. 

The former NBA center Blatche was force inside and outside on Tuesday night as he top-scored with 25 points.

Aguilar provided the much-needed help. He chipped in 22 markers.

Andy Mark Barroca also made his mark with 16 points while Gabriel Norwood and Matthew Wright finished with eight markers apiece.

Blatche spearheaded Gilas’ hot start. He connected on back-to-back three-pointers in the opening minutes as the national team surge to a 32-19 lead after 10 minutes.

Congo would cut into that lead but still trailed 53-44 at halftime but Gilas Pilipinas tightened its defense in the third and led 84-60 going into the final period.

“I am actually pleasantly surprised,” Gilas head coach Yeng Guaio said. “I knew we have a really good team. The chemistry was really good, cohesion was good. We shot the ball well.”

“For a 40 minute game, to score 102 points against a national team, I guess that shows that offensively the system is working,” Guiao added. “It’s a good sign but we don’t really want to put too much emphasis on that win.”

The Philippines will have another friendly with the Ivory Coast national team on Wednesday night before travelling to Malaga for a pocket tournament on Thursday./PN

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