Gilas Pilipinas could not keep up with South Korea, absorbing an 81-55 loss in the opening game of the Hana Bank Invitational 2026 Men’s National Basketball Exhibition on Friday at Suwon KT Sonicboom Arena.
Despite fielding just 11 players against Korea’s 10-man rotation, the Philippines struggled to generate enough offense as the hosts took control early and never looked back.
Justine Baltazar provided a bright spot for Gilas, scoring 10 points by halftime as the Filipinos tried to stay within striking distance.
Korea, however, took a 45-33 lead into the break behind a blistering start from Lee Junghyun.
Lee Junghyun erupted for 27 points, including seven three-pointers, while Lee Weonseok added 10 points for Korea.
Lee Hyunjung also made his presence felt, finishing with six points, 15 rebounds, and four assists. He went just 1-of-10 from three-point range but helped Korea dominate the glass.
Korea opened the game with a 13-2 blast, with Lee Jung-hyun accounting for 10 points—including two triples—in the first five minutes.
Baltazar helped Gilas respond, but the Philippines could not significantly cut into the deficit before halftime.
Daniel Edi helped contain the drives of RJ Abarrientos and Robert Bolick, while Lee Junghyun knocked down two triples and teamed up with Yeo Junseok for an alley-oop dunk.
Korea entered the fourth quarter ahead, 57-44.
Lee Junghyun put the game beyond reach early in the final period, burying three triples in the opening two minutes and 20 seconds as Korea quickly stretched its advantage.
Lee Weonseok’s dunk pushed the lead to 21 before Korea emptied its bench and cruised to the 26-point victory.
The two squads close out their series on Sunday.
