Gilas Pilipinas walloped by Italy in disappointing World Cup opener
Italy used their hot outside shooting to dominate a listless Gilas Pilipinas side, 108-62 in the opening day of the 2019 FIBA World Cup group stages in China.
The European powerhouses drained 15 out of their 31 attempts from three-point area, setting the tone for a huge embarrassment of the Philippine side.
Luigi Datome and Amedeo Della Valle scored 17 points apiece, while NBA veteran Danilo Gallinari added 16 points including 4-of-5 from three-point range.
The three key players combined for 10 triples in the lopsided victory.
Gilas had an absolute flat start to the game, trailing 28-4 in the first quarter alone as hopes quickly faded.
Andray Blatche finished with a double-double of 15 points and 10 boards, but committed nine turnovers.
CJ Perez was outstanding in spite of the blowout loss, contributing 15 points on 7-of-12 field goal shooting.
PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo added nine points in the loss.
Head coach Yeng Guiao’s troops went sour from long distance, making only 3-of-23. They also had only 10 assists against 23 turnovers.
On the other hand, Italy had 30 dimes and 13 steals.
Gilas will be back in action against World no. 3 team Serbia on Monday.
Serbia beat Angola decisively, 105-59 in their opening assignment.
Game Scores:
Philippines 62 – Blatche 15, Perez 15, Fajardo 9, Bolick 6, Ravena 5, Almazan 2, Aguilar 2, Lee 2, Pogoy 2, Rosario 2, Norwood 0.
Written by Levi Verora, Jr.
Photos by Glenn Michael Tan
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