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MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas opened their 2014 Antibes International Basketball Tournament campaign in Antibes, France by taking on the French national basketball team on Saturday morning, August 16 (PH time).
Though the Philippine national squad lost, they showed promise as the game against France, which is composed of a number of NBA players, was closely-fought until the very end, 75-68.
Gilas, in fact, also led at the half, 39-35, with the game being Andray Blatche’s first with Gilas in international competition.
Gilas big man Japeth Aguilar provided a highlight, as he managed to dunk over Indiana Pacers center Ian Mahinmi during the opening minutes of the contest.
Did the posterization affect Mahinmi mentally? Who knows, but it didn’t seem to help his free throw game.
Blatche scored 12 points, while Portland Trailblazers forward Nicolas Batum spearheaded the Frenchmen with 16 markers and 12 boards.
Gilas will also face Australia and Ukraine in the Antibes tournament, as they prepare for the 2014 FIBA World Cup beginning August 30.
– Rappler.com with reports from Naveen Ganglani
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