China boots Gilas Pilipinas out

Sports

GILAS Pilipinas found itself at the receiving end of a thorough beating, losing badly to China, 61-105, in the men’s basketball tournament of the 20th Asian Games at the Aichi International Arena in Japan on Monday, Sept. 14.

The 44-point loss eliminated Gilas from title contention, failing to defend its crown in a humiliating way.

The Nationals came into the match needing not to lose by more than 37 points. China, however, proved too much as it was already ahead by 36 points at the half, 66-30.

China did not let up in the second half and went on to avenge its string of losses to Gilas. China lost to the Philippines in the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Manila and in the 19th Asiad in Hangzhou.

China had seven players scoring in double figures with Wang Junjie leading the way with 20 points and 14 rebounds.

Liao Sanning scored 14 points., Hu Mingxuan tallied 13, Li Yuezhou and Jiao Boqiao had 11 points apiece, while Hu Jinqiu and Cui Yongxui tossed in 10 markers each.

Scoring was a big problem for Gilas with Calvin Oftana being the only double-digit scorer with 13 points.

Winning just one game in three games, Gilas will be ending the tournament ninth–its worst finish in the Asian Games.

THE SCORES:

CHINA (105) – Wang 20, Liao 14, Hu 13, Li 11, Jiao 11, Cui 10, Hu 10, Yu 9, Pang 7.

PHILIPPINES (61) – Oftana 13, Barefield 9, Trollano 7, Bolick 5, Ahanmisi 5, Lucero 5, Ganuelas-Rosser 5, Nocum 4, Abarrientos 4, Bates 2, Arana 2, Baltazar 0.(CCM)