Gilas Pilipinas blown out by Netherlands

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine national basketball team’s campaign in their 3-day pocket tournament in Tallinn, Estonia got off on the wrong foot as they suffered a blowout loss to Netherlands, 89-62, on Friday, August 21.

The Philippine team, commonly known as Gilas Pilipinas, entered the second half trailing only by one, 39-38, but allowed their opponents to score 29 points in the third period while mustering only 4 of their own.

By the time the fourth period commenced, Netherlands’ lead was up to 68-42, and the outcome of the contest was no longer a question.

Ranked 31st in the world by FIBA, Gilas was led on Friday by Alaska sparkplug Calvin Abueva, who had 12 points and 6 rebounds off the bench.

Naturalized Filipino Andray Blatche struggled in the contest, registering only 7 points on 2-of-9 shooting from the field, 3-of-8 shooting from the foul stripe, and 4 turnovers.

As a team, Gilas turned the ball over 21 times and allowed their opponents to shoot 34-of-61 from the field. The Philippine team made only 21-of-65 attempts from their side of the floor.

Jayson Castro and Terrence Romeo each put up 8 points for the national team, while Gary David scored 5. 

Troy Rosario and Asi Taulava each registered 5 points each, while Jimmy Alapag played 12 and a half minutes and hit a 3-pointer.

On the other hand, Netherlands – which is unranked by FIBA – was led by the 15 points of Schafternaar Roeland, who also grabbed 7 boards. Norel Henk and Kloof Charlon both played well, too, putting up a combined 23 points.

At one point in the second period, Gilas’ lead increased to 8, 31-23, before their taller opponents turned the game around to their favor.

The Philippines will be back in action on Saturday, August 22, when they face home team Estonia at 1 am Manila time. – Rappler.com