By Justin Blancaflor
Gilas-Pilipinas kicked an upset-minded Hong Kong, 67-55, to officially clinch the spot in group E in the 27th FIBA Asia men’s championships quest at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Struggling through the first 3 quarters, the Gilas straggled for most of the game before pushing ahead just before guard LA Tenorio began to gather steam with 8 straight points.
But the Filipinos needed time to set that in stone — posting its double-digit advantage for the first time with only 1:45 left on the clock to shake off the undaunted Hong Kong for good.
Five consecutive points by Gabe Norwood gave the Philippines a 63-54 lead with 2:32 remaining, before Jayson Castro and Marc Pingris settled the final score.
Marcus Douthit overcame his injury to post 13 points, 8 rebounds and two blocks, Jeff Chan fired 4 triples for 12 markers while Norwood and Castro combined for 22 points, 16 boards and 6 assists.
On the other hand, Duncan Reid typified the hustle that kept Hong Kong in the game and crashed the party with 12 points and 19 rebounds.
Smart Gilas Pilipinas arranged a meeting with group F’s fourth placer Kazakhstan in the knockout quarterfinals which starts on Friday at the same venue.
But the Filipinos needed time to set that in stone — posting its double-digit advantage for the first time with only 1:45 left on the clock to shake off the undaunted Hong Kong for good.
Five consecutive points by Gabe Norwood gave the Philippines a 63-54 lead with 2:32 remaining, before Jayson Castro and Marc Pingris settled the final score.
Marcus Douthit overcame his injury to post 13 points, 8 rebounds and two blocks, Jeff Chan fired 4 triples for 12 markers while Norwood and Castro combined for 22 points, 16 boards and 6 assists.
On the other hand, Duncan Reid typified the hustle that kept Hong Kong in the game and crashed the party with 12 points and 19 rebounds.
Smart Gilas Pilipinas arranged a meeting with group F’s fourth placer Kazakhstan in the knockout quarterfinals which starts on Friday at the same venue.
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