Gilas loses OT heart-breaker to Angola, still winless in World Cup
Gilas Pilipinas engaged in a competitive overtime battle but fell ultimately short against Angola, 81-84 as they concluded Group D first round action in the 2019 FIBA World Cup in Foshan, China.
CJ Perez forced extension with a huge triple late in regulation, but it was Angola’s Yanick Moreira and who kept his poise and delivered the win for the African side.
Trailing 73-76, Carlos Morais first hit two charities before Reggie Moore nailed a deep three to give the lead back to Angola, 78-76.
Moreira then hit back to back shots to make it 82-78 before Perez committed a crucial offensive foul with 1:07 left which gave Angola back the possession.
Misses by Perez and Kiefer Ravena towards the end allowed Angola to escape.
Andray Blatche carried the nationals with 23 points, 12 rebounds, and four steals while Perez added 17 markers. The Philippines wound up the first round winless in three outings.
The Philippines had a poor start once again, and had to claw their way back in the final frame.
Threes by Blatche and Perez as part of an 8-0 run pulled the nationals within 62-63.
From there, it was back and forth. A split from Ravena made it 70-67 for the Asian side but Morais quickly countered with a triple.
Morais then converted an and-one play, before Perez sank a game-tying trey, 73-all with 24 seconds left in regulation.
In overtime, Roger Pogoy gave Gilas the 75-73 lead with a reverse lay-up. Blatche made 1 for 2 on a trip to the foul line, but Angola finished the game stronger for their maiden win in the tournament.
Pogoy still was able to hit a long range shot to make it 81-83, but Angola was able to survive as Ravena’s attempt at the buzzer did not go through.
Big man Joaquim Valdelicio led Angola with 20 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks. Moreira and Moore had 12 points apiece, while Morais had 11.
Robert Bolick had 10 points while Pogoy and Japeth Aguilar contributed eight points apiece.
Gilas did make 10 triples, but had 46 attempts for a 21.7 percent clip.
The Philippines will likely face Tunisia and Iran in the consolation round.
Written by Levi Verora, Jr.
Photos by Glenn Michael Tan
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