Fajardo leads Gilas rout of Chinese Taipei on hostile ground

The Philippines overcame a slow start and a hostile crowd to fashion out an impressive 93-71 win over Chinese Taipei on Friday in their qualifying matchup for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

With the victory, Gilas Pilipinas improved its record in Group B to 4-1, with two-game sweeps against Chinese Taipei and Japan. The Philippines' lone defeat came  last February at the hands of Australia, which lost in a 79-78 upset against Japan earlier in the day.

Gilas will have a chance to avenge that defeat against the Boomers when they face off on Monday at Philippine Arena in their last assignment of the first round of qualifiers.

The Philippines weathered hot shooting from the Taiwanese to begin the game, before getting its act together in the second period. Gilas outscored Chinese Taipei, 28-18, in that quarter to take a 44-37 halftime advantage.

Four-time reigning PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo carried the torch for the Philippines in the third period, scoring 14 points to keep Chinese Taipei at bay.

The Gilas effort continued into the fourth period, as the Filipino defense took the fight out of Taiwan to cruise to the victory.

Fajardo finished with 22 points to lead the Philippines, while Andray Blatche added 13 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks. Hotshot guards Jayson Castro and Terrence Romeo were steady as usual, scoring 15 and 14 points, respectively. —JST, GMA News