MANILA, August 8 ------ Gilas Pilipinas was powered by a late final-quarter push to end their Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament with a win, 63-48, over Iran in China.
The nationals were led by Dwight with 17 points and 14 rebounds and Kiefer Ravena with nine points, six dimes, and six boards. In a seemingly close game as both squads were tied at 46, Gilas used a 17-2 run to end the game highlighted by three-pointers from Ramos and Ravena.
They finished their China stint with a 3-1 record. Jamie Malonzo put up an 11-point, 14-rebound game while AJ Edu was also pivotal with eight points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks.
Gilas is expected to return home to the country for their final stretch of training camp as Jordan Clarkson and Kai Sotto are expected to finally join the squad. They are scheduled to face Montenegro on August 20, and Mexico on August 21.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
Editor's note:
Over at the Jones Cup, the Gilas Women absorb sweep at hands of Chinese-Taipei. The hot-shooting Chinese-Taipei’s youth team won 83-94 against the Gilas Women on Monday at Heping Basketball Gymnasium. Afril Bernardino led the way for Gilas with 22 points on 10-of-17 shooting from the field with 6 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal, and a block. Jack Animam produced 18 points and 9 boards while Janine Pontejos added 11 markers.
With 2 games left, the Philippines fell to 1-2 in the competition, losing to the Blue team, 89-85, before notching its first-ever win in the tournament at the expense of Iran, 64-60.