Gilas Pilipinas Men’s could not replicate their outing against Congo three days ago, losing this time around, 71-82, in the first round of the Torneo de Malaga at the Jose M. Martin Carpena in Spain.
“We won two games, but we learned a lot more from the game that we lost,” Gilas head coach Yeng Guiao told Paolo Del Rosario of ESPN5. “Those games that we’ve won, we’ve already forgotten.”
Three days ago, Gilas handily defeated Congo, 102-80. But without Gabe Norwood, who is nursing a minor groin injury, the Philippines could not seal off the 82nd-ranked team in the world.
After trailing by just three points heading into the final frame, Gilas’ offense stagnated. The Congolese utilized this, unleashing a 10-1 run to gain a 76-61 lead.
It wasted Robert Bolick’s best outing so far, finishing with 21 points, spiked by three triples to go along with six rebounds. However, Bolick fouled out of the game late.
Andray Blatche tallied 15 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals while CJ Perez chipped in 11 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Ron Mvouka led Congo with 21 points, six rebounds, and six assists while Ruphin Kayembe added 16 markers.
Kiefer Ravena once again sat out the game as his FIBA-imposed suspension will only end on August 24.
Gilas looks to end its campaign on a high note when it takes on fellow World Cup-bound team Ivory Coast on Sunday morning (Manila time).
The Scores:
Philippines 71 – Bolick 21, Blatche 15, Perez 11, Dalistan 8, Aguilar 6, Barroca 6, Erram 3, Wright 1, Belga 0.
Congo 82 – Mvouika 21, Kayembe 16, Kabasele 10, Anzuluni 7, Katenda 6, Sakho 5, Mukandi 3, Bonga 3, Kibi 2, Lomboto 0, Kande 0.
Quarterscores: 21-18, 33-32, 58-55, 82-71.
