Gilas Pilipinas bags silver in Jones Cup after dispatching Chinese Taipei B

The Philippine national men's basketball team took care of business against the upstart B squad of host Chinese Taipei, 96-67, for its last assignment in the William Jones Cup basketball tournament on Sunday.

Gilas Pilipinas weathered an early 7-0 assault from the young Taiwanese to take a 24-21 lead after the first quarter.

The Philippines turned up the heat in the second period, taking a 50-32 halftime lead that basically put the game away.

The victory improved Gilas' record to 6-2, assuring the squad of a silver medal finish behind Iran in the annual competition.

These included memorable wins against physical Russian club Spartak, a come-from-behind overtime win against New Zealand club Wellington Saints, and a tough win against a selection from the United States.

The only losses for Gilas in the Jones Cup came against South Korea and Iran, who are also touted as major contenders in the Asian championship in China.

It marked an impressive stand for Gilas in the team's first major tournament under new coach Tab Baldwin, who is whipping the team up into shape for the FIBA Asia Championship later this month. That competition serves as the qualifier for next year's Olympic basketball tournament, with the gold medal winner booking a trip to Rio De Janeiro.

The Jones Cup also became a showcase for Gilas rookies Terrence Romeo and Calvin Abueva, who acquitted themselves well against international competition.

Gilas will fly back to the Philippines where it would compete in the MVP Cup, a four-team pocket tournament that would serve as its final preparation for the FIBA Asia joust.

The Saints and the Chinese Taipei national team will also compete in the MVP Cup along with another squad.

The Philippine team will also welcome back from the United States naturalized center Andray Blatche, who missed the Jones Cup due to personal reasons. Gilas is also waiting on word about the availability of Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson, a Filipino-American whose eligibility is still being cleared with FIBA. - JST, GMA News