FIBA WCup: Gilas fend off gutsy Saudi, win 3rd straight in Asian qualifiers | ABS-CBN
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FIBA WCup: Gilas fend off gutsy Saudi, win 3rd straight in Asian qualifiers
FIBA WCup: Gilas fend off gutsy Saudi, win 3rd straight in Asian qualifiers
ABS-CBN News
Published Nov 14, 2022 01:48 AM PHT
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Updated Nov 14, 2022 10:40 AM PHT
With their opponents playing an inspired game, Gilas Pilipinas knew it was useful having a 7-foot-2 presence they could rely on when things got tough.
With their opponents playing an inspired game, Gilas Pilipinas knew it was useful having a 7-foot-2 presence they could rely on when things got tough.
Getting a morale boost from legions of Filipino fans in attendance helped the visitors' cause, too.
Getting a morale boost from legions of Filipino fans in attendance helped the visitors' cause, too.
Coach Chot Reyes and his squad overcame a determined Saudi Arabia to win 76-63 in the Asian qualifiers in Jeddah on Sunday (Saudi time) for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Coach Chot Reyes and his squad overcame a determined Saudi Arabia to win 76-63 in the Asian qualifiers in Jeddah on Sunday (Saudi time) for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Kai Sotto had another impactful game, finishing with 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 blocks, as all Gilas starters scored at least 9 points — a balanced attack anchored on their big man that sufficed completing a 2-0 Middle East trip.
Kai Sotto had another impactful game, finishing with 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 blocks, as all Gilas starters scored at least 9 points — a balanced attack anchored on their big man that sufficed completing a 2-0 Middle East trip.
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The Philippines, which raised its record to 5-3, closes out its group assignments with a home-and-home series against Lebanon and Jordan on February 24 and 27, respectively.
The Philippines, which raised its record to 5-3, closes out its group assignments with a home-and-home series against Lebanon and Jordan on February 24 and 27, respectively.
"I think we got a lot of energy from the crowd," Reyes said, as Gilas supporters turned in droves at King Abdullah Sports City and instantly played the proverbial sixth-man's role normally enjoyed by hosts.
"I think we got a lot of energy from the crowd," Reyes said, as Gilas supporters turned in droves at King Abdullah Sports City and instantly played the proverbial sixth-man's role normally enjoyed by hosts.
"They really gave us a huge boost. They just wouldn’t allow us to lose until we hit our stride, until we finally hit some shots in the second half and the third quarter."
"They really gave us a huge boost. They just wouldn’t allow us to lose until we hit our stride, until we finally hit some shots in the second half and the third quarter."
Gilas knew immediately this wasn't the same Saudi team they bludgeoned by 38 points at Mall of Asia Arena on August 29.
Gilas knew immediately this wasn't the same Saudi team they bludgeoned by 38 points at Mall of Asia Arena on August 29.
The first quarter ended 16-all. And just when the Filipinos thought they were going to coast to victory in the second half, the hosts trailed only by 16 points the most.
The first quarter ended 16-all. And just when the Filipinos thought they were going to coast to victory in the second half, the hosts trailed only by 16 points the most.
In the fourth quarter, Mathna Almarwani hit a 3-pointer off an assist by Hazim Bader A Aljohar to draw within 69-61 near the last 2 minutes.
In the fourth quarter, Mathna Almarwani hit a 3-pointer off an assist by Hazim Bader A Aljohar to draw within 69-61 near the last 2 minutes.
But Gilas made enough free throws down the stretch to seal the win.
But Gilas made enough free throws down the stretch to seal the win.
Roger Pogoy added 13 points and 3 3-pointers, Dwight Ramos chipped in 13 points and 4 assists, and CJ Perez had 10 for the Philippines, who enjoyed a 38-26 disparity in defensive rebounds.
Roger Pogoy added 13 points and 3 3-pointers, Dwight Ramos chipped in 13 points and 4 assists, and CJ Perez had 10 for the Philippines, who enjoyed a 38-26 disparity in defensive rebounds.
Scottie Thompson – who tallied 9 points, 9 rebounds and 2 steals – connected with Sotto on a perfectly executed alley-oop to extend the Philippines' lead 65-53 with 5:30 left in the game.
Scottie Thompson – who tallied 9 points, 9 rebounds and 2 steals – connected with Sotto on a perfectly executed alley-oop to extend the Philippines' lead 65-53 with 5:30 left in the game.
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