Fearless Romeo lifts Gilas past China to open 2017 FIBA Asia Cup

The Philippines got off to a rousing start in the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup in Lebanon, defeating Asian powerhouse China, 96-87, in a heated matchup to open the competition on Wednesday.

Terrence Romeo was sensational as he scored 26 points, hitting the biggest baskets in the fourth quarter to lead Gilas Pilipinas to victory.

The Philippines bucked the early ejection of Calvin Abueva in the first period, going on a furious run to end the quarter with a 26-16 lead. Abueva was disqualified after a headbutt on China's Li Gen, an incident that seemed to fire up the Philippine side.

Despite missing top big men Andray Blatche and June Mar Fajardo, Gilas continued to keep the Chinese at bay, going into halftime with a 53-39 lead behind stellar play from Raymond Almazan and Christian Standhardinger, who had nine points apiece in the first two quarters.

Without stars Yi Jianlian and Zhou Qi, China went into the tournament trying to lean on star guard Guo Ailun. But the Chinese ace was shackled after committing four fouls in the first half.

China caught fire from beyond the arc in the third period to cut the Gilas lead to just six points, 76-70, to end the quarter.

With Guo hitting his stride, China finally took the lead for the first time in the fourth quarter, 83-82, with less than six minutes left.

But Jayson Castro drew Guo's fifth and final foul a few moments later, leaving China without its ace with 4:40 left in the game.

Romeo tied the game at 87-all with a three-pointer with less than four minutes remaining. He followed that up with a tough fadeaway and a long three-pointer to give Gilas a 92-87 lead with 2:12 left.

Castro fed Standhardinger for a layup, before Matthew Wright scored on a drive to put the game away down the stretch.

Standhardinger finished with 15 points and six rebounds for Gilas, while Castro chipped in 13 points and seven assists. Wright added 12 points for the Philippines, which will take on Iraq on Friday and Qatar on Sunday for the rest of its preliminary round assignments.

Guo finished with 18 points for China.—JST, GMA News