By Justin Blancaflor
Photo Courtesy of interaksyon.com Gilas-Pilipinas national basketball team placed on good shooting and even better defense, coming out with an 88-58 victory against Kazakhstan in the quarterfinals of 27th FIBA Asia men’s championships quest at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Gilas will face the winner of the South Korea-Qatar game, which is being played as of posting, in a knockout clash for a spot in the top two.
The best three in the tournament books a trip to Spain for the Basketball World Cup in 2014.
Gary David helped the Philippines inch closer to their goal
Gary David led all scorers with 22 points, including 13 in the first quarter, on 4-of-6 shooting from three-point territory. Jayson Castro notched 13 points and four assists, while Japeth Aguilar had 11 points and nine rebounds. Marcus Douthit, tending a injured calf muscle from Wednesday's game versus Hong Kong, lifted five points and 10 rebounds in 23 minutes of play.
\David came out firing off the bench, firing three straight triples which set the tone for the Filipinos’ blistering shooting night, finishing with 13 triples.
The Philippines Basketball Association (PBA)’s scoring champion notched his best night of the tournament yet with 22 points.
Guarded of any meltdowns, it was the Filipino’s relentless defense which kept them ahead for good after a 32-13 start, and by as many as 31 markers.
The Philippines saw its lead dwindle down to six, 38-44, as the Kazakhs’ three-point shooting started to click, but this time, with better awareness — the Filipinos ended the half with a double-digit lead.
“The Philippines showed tonight a great basketball made on defense,” said Kazakhstan head coach Matteo Boniciolli.
The best three in the tournament books a trip to Spain for the Basketball World Cup in 2014.
Gary David helped the Philippines inch closer to their goal
Gary David led all scorers with 22 points, including 13 in the first quarter, on 4-of-6 shooting from three-point territory. Jayson Castro notched 13 points and four assists, while Japeth Aguilar had 11 points and nine rebounds. Marcus Douthit, tending a injured calf muscle from Wednesday's game versus Hong Kong, lifted five points and 10 rebounds in 23 minutes of play.
\David came out firing off the bench, firing three straight triples which set the tone for the Filipinos’ blistering shooting night, finishing with 13 triples.
The Philippines Basketball Association (PBA)’s scoring champion notched his best night of the tournament yet with 22 points.
Guarded of any meltdowns, it was the Filipino’s relentless defense which kept them ahead for good after a 32-13 start, and by as many as 31 markers.
The Philippines saw its lead dwindle down to six, 38-44, as the Kazakhs’ three-point shooting started to click, but this time, with better awareness — the Filipinos ended the half with a double-digit lead.
“The Philippines showed tonight a great basketball made on defense,” said Kazakhstan head coach Matteo Boniciolli.
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