Gilas struggles as Dominican Republic pulls away late for big win
Gilas Pilipinas lost steam late against the Dominican Republic, suffering a 94-67 setback Thursday (Friday morning Manila time) in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade, Serbia.
The Dominican Republic used a crippling 24-2 run in the second half to take control of the game at the expense of the Philippines, which struggled offensively in the last two quarters.
Stellar guards Victor Liz and Gelvis Solano powered the Carribean country, scoring 23 and 21 points, respectively while Michael Torres Cuevas added 20 markers.
The Philippines was out-rebounded, 39-32, including giving up 11 offensive rebounds which led to 15 second-chance points.
The Dominican Republic also scored 23 fastbreak points. Gilas surprisingly raced to its biggest lead in the first half at 33-25 halfway in the second quarter after a 7-0 run capped by a Will Navarro dunk.
However, Liz carried the Dominicans back with his 14 first-half points, entering the break trailing by only two.
A 24-2 run bridging the third and fourth periods led by Solano pushed the opponents ahead, 77-53.
The Dominican Republic also out-scored Gilas, 26-10 in the third frame.
Jordan Heading led the Philippines with 16 points including 4-of-6 from three-point area.
Ange Kouame added 10 points and six rebounds while SJ Belangel had six points and dished out 10 assists.
The Dominican Republic will play Italy in the semi-finals, after the Italians beat Puerto Rico, 90-84 earlier.
Boxscores:
Philippines (67) – Heading 16, Kouame 10, Sotto 8, Belangel 6, Abarrientos 6, Navarro 6, Baltazar 5, Tamayo 5, Nieto 4, Go 1, Chiu 0.
Dominican Republic (94) – Liz 23, Solano 21, Torres Cuevas 20, Nunez Castillo 13, Francis Ramirez 5, Rojas 4, Araujo 4, Mendoza 2, Santos 2, Martinez 0, Henriquez 0, Feliz Sarita 0. Quarterscores: 22-23, 41-39, 51-65, 67-94.
Written by Levi Verora Jr.
Photo from FIBA
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