Baser Amer was clutch for the Gilas Pilipinas-squad, lifting the cadets past the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles in a tune-up match, 86-79, Tuesday afternoon at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Complex in Quezon City.
The cadets were already ahead comfortably, 78-68, with 5:27 to go in the final frame, but the Blue Eagles staged a furious 11-4 rally capped by an Isaac Go triple to cut the lead within a single possession, 82-79, with 1:06 left.
From there, Amer took matters in his own hands. The Meralco sophomore sliced through the defense and nailed a teardrop with 29 ticks left. A steal on the other end led to a Kiefer Ravena bucket that sealed the win.
Gilas’ tune-up versus the Blue Eagles is the first of four more friendlies in the coming days. They will face the Far Eastern University Tamaraws on Saturday; the Adamson University Soaring Falcons on Tuesday; and the National University Bulldogs on Wednesday.
Quarterscores: 23-23, 42-44, 66-59, 86-79.
