Gilas Pilipinas survives Japan scare in FIBA World Cup qualifiers

The Philippines bucked a slow start and a late scare to turn back Japan, 89-84, in their qualifying round matchup for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup on Sunday.

Gilas Pilipinas, which also won their game in Tokyo last November, improved its record in the competition to 3-1, bouncing back strong after its first defeat at the hands of Australia last Friday.

But fans at Mall of Asia Arena had a jittery start as the local side started the game slowly, allowing Japan to take a 20-4 lead.

 

Kiefer Ravena, back in his bench role with the return of Gilas ace Jayson Castro, provided the offensive spark for the home team. Making his first two three-point attempts, the former Ateneo star teamed with fellow bench guys Troy Rosario and Calvin Abueva as Gilas went on a blistering 30-2 run that gave the Philippines a 34-22 lead early in the second period.

It was cruise control for Gilas the rest of the way before Japan took advantage of sloppy play from the home squad to threaten late, cutting the Philippine lead to just a single basket, 86-84, with 30 seconds remaining.

Castro, the hero of many international campaigns in the Philippines, once again took over in the clutch, scoring on a bank shot with 10.6 seconds remaining.

Japan's desperation three-point attempt in the ensuing play was no good, allowing Andray Blatche to grab the rebound. He sealed the game with a split from the line for the final score. --JST, GMA News