No pros, no problem for Gilas Pilipinas.
Dwight Ramos led the Philippines’ 93-61 demolition of Thailand in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, Friday evening at Khalifa Sport City in Manama, Bahrain.
Ramos, who transferred from Cal State Pomona to Ateneo last year, was a picture of efficiency. He finished with 20 points on a perfect 7-of-7 shooting to go along with seven rebounds, three steals, and three assists.
Besides leading the offense, the 6-foot-5 swingman also anchored Gilas’ defense in the game-breaking second quarter.
Up by just two heading into the second stanza, the Filipinos zoned in on Thailand, limiting them to just 10 points while scoring 32 to turn the game into a rout. Ramos had 11 points during that quarter while Juan Gomez de Liano knocked down three triples — including one that broke a 26-all tie that triggered a 27-1 blast.
“We were just feeling ourselves at the start of the game. Fortunately, the game turned around at the start of the second quarter,” said Gilas head coach Jong Uichico.
Meanwhile, Juan Gomez de Liaño had 12 points, four rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block. Justine Baltazar also shone in his Gilas debut, tallying 12 points, six rebounds, and a block.
Rey Suerte and Juan’s brother Javi had nine points apiece while Kobe Paras made up for an off-shooting game by hauling down seven rebounds and successfully stealing the ball twice.
Orchestrating the offense was Matt Nieto, who had six assists with four points and a steal.
Gilas show 47.9-percent from the field while limiting the Thai’s to a horrid 29.7-percent clip. The young Turks of the Philippines also forced their opponents to commit 10 turnovers.
Thailand, who only brought 10 players to Bahrain, was led by Montien Wongsawangtham, who had 17 points. Nakorn Jaisanuk had 12 markers while Wattana Suttisin had 10 points but shot just 2-of-8 from the field.
Thailand Open MVP Chanatip Jakrawan was held down to just five points.
Gilas will again face Thailand on Monday at 9:00PM (Manila time).
The Scores:
Philippines 93 – Ramos 20, Baltazar 12, Ju. Gomez de Liano 12, Suerte 9, Ja. Gomez de Liano 9, Mi. Nieto 8, Go 6, Ma. Nieto 4, Navarro 4, Carino 4, Paras 3, Ildefonso 2.
Thailand 61 – Wongsawangtham 17, Jaisanuk 12, Suttisin 10, Langsui 6, Jakrawan 5, Chungyampin 5, Muangboon 4, Klaewnarong 2, Ghogar 0, Lakhan 0.
Quarterscores: 21-19, 53-29, 75-43, 93-61.
