Korea draws first blood in friendly games vs Gilas

In their first game under new head coach Nenad Vucinic, Gilas Pilipinas fell to the South Korea national team, 96-92, on Friday in the first of two friendly games in Korea.

The Philippines had a nine-point advantage, 43-34, at the end of the first half as Rhenz Abando went hot and scored all 11 of his points in the second quarter.

However, the Koreans detonated for a 37-point explosion in the third period to reclaim the lead at the end of the said frame, 71-63.

Gilas tried to stage a late comeback in the fourth quarter and went within five, 87-82, with less than two minutes left, but the Koreans eventually prevailed.

The veteran in the squad, Kiefer Ravena, listed 22 points while Dwight Ramos had 16 points. Aside from Abando, Carl Tamayo also listed 11 points in the friendlies.

The nationals will try to bounce back on Saturday in their second and last friendly game.

The friendlies are part of Gilas' preparation for the upcoming third window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers and the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup.

The team playing in South Korea is composed of Abando, RJ Abarrientos, SJ Belangel, Geo Chiu, Lebron Lopez, Will Navarro, Kevin Quiambao, Kiefer Ravena, Dwight Ramos, and Carl Tamayo. Dave Ildefonso and naturalized player Ange Kouame were not able to join the friendlies due to injuries.

—JMB, GMA News