MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas rediscovered its winning ways to wrap up the first round of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers after it handed visiting India a 79-63 beating at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, July 3.

Dwight Ramos found his groove after being contained in their 46-point loss to New Zealand three days ago as he delivered 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals for the Filipinos.

The Philippines ended the first round with a 2-2 record in Group A behind the unbeaten Tall Blacks (4-0), while India remained winless with a 0-4 record.

Nevertheless, all three teams will advance to the second round of the qualifiers where they will be bunched with Group C squads Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. 

(READ: Dwight Ramos bounces back as Gilas Pilipinas gives India home beating)

(READ: Kiefer Ravena enjoys being with young Gilas Pilipinas: ‘They’re fun to be with’)

Preview

Gilas Pilipinas’ ability to bounce back from a crushing loss will be tested when it hosts India to wrap up the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, July 3.

Coming off a 46-point thrashing from New Zealand, the Filipinos need a quick turnaround as they look to finish the first round of the qualifiers with an even 2-2 record.

The Philippines crushed India by 24 points in their first encounter last February.

But replicating that win has been made much harder as there is a possibility that Gilas Pilipinas would play with only 10 players, after Carl Tamayo suffered a sprained ankle against New Zealand.

Tamayo dropped a game-high 16 points and 5 rebounds against the Kiwis before he hurt his ankle in the 4th quarter.

His potential absence further cripples the already depleted Philippines roster, with naturalized big man Angelo Kouame also sidelined due to a knee injury.

Held to a combined 17 points against New Zealand, usual Gilas Pilipinas suspects Kiefer Ravena, Dwight Ramos, RJ Abarrientos, and SJ Belangel need to rise to the occasion against the Indians.

Game time is 7 pm.

– Rappler.com