Gilas Pilipinas whips Indonesia to open FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers campaign

Photo: FIBA

Age did not seem to be a problem for the young Gilas Pilipinas squad as they demolished Indonesia on Sunday, 100-70, to open their FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers campaign at the Britama Arena in Indonesia.

Gilas dominated most of the game, particularly in the final frame where they led by as much as 28 points after a CJ Perez dunk with 3:49 left in the game. Indonesia, meanwhile, was limited to 17 against Gilas' 33 points.

Indonesia opened the second half with a 6-0 run to cut down their deficit, 37-34, but team captain Kiefer Ravena stopped the bleeding with a trey which ignited Gilas' run to lead as much as 11 points, 45-34, with 6:39 left in the third frame. Indonesia was in striking distance most of the third period, but failed to take the lead as the period ended, 67-53, in Gilas' favor.

After a close match during the first period which ended at 18-15 in Gilas' favor, the national team showed no mercy and ignited a 14-2 run to dominate the second quarter, 32-17 at the 3:58 mark. They had the upper hand at the end of the first half, 37-28.

Thirdy Ravena topped the squad with 23 points and 8 rebounds, while his brother Kiefer listed 10 points. RR Pogoy registered 16 points.

Andakara Prastawa Dhyaksa led Indonesia with 28 points.

Gilas was supposed to play last Thursday against Thailand, but the match was postponed due to the coronavirus threat. — Justin Kenneth Carandang/BM, GMA News