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[av_heading heading=’Gilas downs Thailand to finish fifth in China’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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Sunday, October 1, 2017
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MANILA – Chooks-To-Go Gilas Pilipinas defeated Mono Vampire of Thailand 89-79 yesterday for a fifth place finish in the 2017 FIBA Asia Champions Cup at the Chenzhou Sports Center in China.
American import Isaiah Austin had his best performance in the tournament – 37 points to go along with 15 rebounds, six assists, and six blocks – for the Philippines.
Ilonggo Kiefer Ravena chipped in with 18 markers while Anton Manuel, who played in lieu of injured forward Jeron Teng, contributed 13 points for the Vincent “Chot” Reyes-mentored team.
Down by 3 points at the half, Gilas had a strong start in the third frame behind Austin and Ravena to take a 52-49 lead. The lead widened 66-57 at the end of the period with 5 straight points from Ravena.
The Philippines were up by 11 points early in the final quarter when the Thailand squad went on a huge run to come to within 70-72. But baskets from Manuel and Austin increased the Filipinos’ lead 77-72.
The Thais made their last push 74-77 following a basket by Filipino-American Jason Brickman but Gilas went on a finishing run behind Ravena and Austin to reach the final score.
American Michael Singletary top-scored with double-double 30 points and 12 rebounds while Brickman added 14 markers for Mono Vampire, which ended the tournament on sixth place./PN
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