Gilas Pilipinas missed a chance to score a win over China as their friendly game ended in a 79-all draw on Wednesday, June 23, at the Angeles University Foundation gym in Clark, Pampanga.

China staged a late comeback in the fourth quarter, making it a one-possession game, 76-79, with 1.2 seconds left. But the visitors drew a foul off Geo Chiu and scored a buzzer-beating tip-in which evened the score.

Teen basketball star Kai Sotto led the senior team with 13 points, while naturalized player Angelo Kouame and Jordan Heading chipped in 12 points apiece.

The Philippine team rode on its hot momentum to pull away to as much as 10 points, 39-29, in the second quarter.

However, China surged back in the second half to stay within reach of Gilas Pilipinas.

FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers stars Dwight Ramos and Carl Tamayo had to sit out of the game in order to rest a groin strain and an ankle sprain, respectively.

The tune-up match was staged in order to prepare Gilas Pilipinas for the FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament in Belgrade, Serbia.

Podcast

[PODCAST] Targeting Tokyo: Gilas Pilipinas 5×5

China, ranked No. 4 in Asia and No. 29 in the world, extended its stay in the Philippines for the practice game before flying to Canada for the Olympic qualifiers.

Philippines qualified for the FIBA Asia Cup after ending the “Korean Curse” last June 16 as Gilas won its first game over Korea after 8 years.

The all-amateur Gilas team then cruised to a perfect 6-0 record in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers to top Group A. – Rappler.com