MANILA – Gilas Pilipinas bucked a shaky opening quarter to score an expected 101-59 rout of India in the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup last night at the Istorya Senayan at Jakarta, Indonesia.
William Navarro spearheaded the offense with 18 points, while Ilonggo Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena III chipped in 17 markers as Gilas Pilipinas improved to 1-1 slate.
Bobby Ray Parks Jr. contributed 12 points, while Rhenz Abando also made his presence felt with 10 points for the Philippine team, which bounced back from a 95-80 loss to Lebanon last Wednesday.
Both squads struggle with their points in the first four minutes of the opening quarter until Francis Lopez ignited an 11-4 blast for the Gilas Pilipinas with a fastbreak dunk.
The Indians managed to tie the score at 13-all but a triple by Abando followed by consecutive points from Ravena gave Philippines a 20-13 lead after the first 10 minutes.
Gilas Pilipinas picked up from where it left off in the first period as Ravena uncorked seven straight points followed by a Parks triple for a 35-20 edge.
Navarro then provided instant offense for Team Philippines in the second period as he hoisted outside shots followed by an inside conversion from Carl Tamayo for a 51-33 halftime lead.
Gilas Pilipinas continued its assault in the third quarter as back-to-back triples from Kiefer Ravena and Parks widened the lead to 30. The quarter ended with an 82-43 count after a basket by Samjosef Belangel.
India opened the fourth period with six straight points but Gilas Pilipinas quickly restored order with a triple from Navarto and a dunk from Lopez.
The Vincent “Chot” Reyes-mentored Gilas Pilipinas will aim for an outright quarterfinals seat when it faces powerhouse New Zealand on Sunday evening./PN