Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

2019 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers

Gilas Pilipinas embarrassed by Tunisia in penultimate World Cup game


Gilas Pilipinas’ quest for a victory in the 2019 FIBA World Cup has been unfortunately fruitless so far.

The Philippines suffered a 67-86 beatdown from reigning Afrobasket champions Tunisia, as the classification phase began Friday evening at the Wokesung Sport Arena in Beijing, China.

Andray Blatche was the only double-digit scorer among the Filipino dribblers. He finished with a game-high 24 points and 12 rebounds in the loss that extended Gilas’ losing skid to four games.

“We’re still not making our shots. As a small team, we need to make our outside shots,” said coach Yeng Guiao, as his chargers made just 34.8-percent of their three-point shots in the defeat.

Gilas was expected to come out strong following its close loss to Angola last Wednesday. The opposite happened, though, as Tunisia made six straight points off turnovers to start the game.

A lopsided affair then ensued that saw the Tunisians lead by as many as 28 points, 70-42, after an Omar Abada three-pointer with 9:24 to go in the game’s final chapter.

The Filipinos showed some signs of life thanks to Blatche, but the African powerhouse was just too much, providing answers to every attempt by Gilas before cruising to the 19-point win.

“We started out flat,” lamented forward Troy Rosario, who finished with eight points and six rebounds.

A total of five players scored in double figures for Tunisia, with Abada leading the pack with 16 points.

Shooter Michael Roll produced 13 points in the win, while NBA player Salah Mejri supplied 12 points and 12 rebounds. Makram Bem Romdhane and Mohamed Hadidane had 10 markers apiece.

#ReadMore  Guiao disappointed as officials let Cone enter court without calling a T

The Philippines now shifts its focus on Sunday, September 8, as it takes on a familiar foe in Iran at 8 p.m.


The Scores:

Philippines (67) – Blatche 24, Rosario 8, Barroca 7, Perez 6, Fajardo 6, Bolick 5, Ravena 5, Lee 3, Aguilar 2, Pogoy 1, Norwood 0, Almazan 0.

Tunisia (86) – Abada 16, Roll 13, Mejri 12, Rhomdane 10, Hadidane 10, Mabrouk 8, Mouli 6, Ghyaza 5, Slimane 3, Kniqua 2, Abbassi 1, Chenoufi 0.

Quarterscores: 27-10, 46-24, 67-39, 86-67.

Written By

Oftentimes on the sidelines. Forever a student of the game. Morayta-bred.


You May Also Like

Basketball

There was never any doubt in Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone’s mind about Scottie Thompson’s potential on the international stage. Thompson, whose play...

Basketball

Despite coming off a concussion, Kai Sotto delivered a stellar performance, filling the stat sheet in Gilas Pilipinas’ landmark victory over New Zealand on...

Basketball

Nearly two years into his tenure with Gilas Pilipinas Men, Justin Brownlee has repeatedly proven that the Philippines’ success on the international basketball stage...

Basketball

Prior to the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers, Gilas Pilipinas Men’s head coach Tim Cone promised fans a highly motivated...

Basketball

After four lopsided defeats, Gilas Pilipinas finally cracked the Tall Blacks code. Kai Sotto and Justin Brownlee led the way as the Philippines secured...

Basketball

Gilas Pilipinas has kept the same lineup for its upcoming FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifier against New Zealand on Thursday, with Justin Brownlee once...

Basketball

Filipino-American big man Quentin Millora-Brown has made a significant impact so far in his one-and-done season with University of the Philippines in the UAAP...

Basketball

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has officially appointed Alfrancis Chua as the program director and team manager for both the Gilas Pilipinas Boys’ and...

Advertisement