MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas failed to reassert its mastery over the Adelaide 36ers as it absorbed a 75-85 loss in the second of their two tune-up games at the Meralco Gym in Pasig City on Sunday, August 25.

Kiefer Ravena played in his first game following his FIBA-imposed suspension, but the Philippine crew fell short in its comeback bid from 21 points down in its final friendly match before heading into the FIBA World Cup. 

Despite trailing 44-65, the Filipinos slowly chiseled away at their deficit in the final quarter and managed to narrow the gap to 73-80, off an Andray Blatche three-pointer and free throw with 1:30 minutes remaining. 

However, the 36ers kept their composure down the stretch by scoring 5 straight points on a pair of Daniel Johnson foul shots and a Daniel Dillion triple to avenge their 83-92 defeat two days ago. 

Blatche chalked up 16 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals, while Ravena finished with 11 points off the bench as the only two players in double figures for the Philippine team. 

CJ Perez and Mark Barroca had 8 points apiece, June Mar Fajardo added 7 points, and Raymond Almazan chipped in 7 points and 5 rebounds in the loss. 

Johnson delivered 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists – erupting for 12 markers in the first half that saw Adelaide enjoy a 44-30 halftime lead – while 4 of his teammates breached twin digits.

Eric Griffin had 15 points and 2 blocks, Jack McVeigh put up 12 points, while Brendan Teys and Deshon Taylor added 10 point each in the win. 

The Scores

Adelaide 36ers 85 – Johnson 16, Griffin 15,  McVeigh 12, Taylor 10, Teys 10, Moore 7, Dillon 7, Kyei 5, Froling 3, White 0, Ayre 0.

Gilas Pilipinas 75 – Blatche 16, Ravena 11, Barroca 8, Perez 8, Fajardo 7, Bolick 6, Almazan 6, Pogoy 5, Norwood 4, Lee 2, Aguilar 2, Rosario 0.

Quarters: 29-13, 44-30, 67-48, 85-75.

– Rappler.com