Gilas Pilipinas annihilates India in 42-point blowout to bounce back in FIBA Asia Cup

Gilas Pilipinas vented its ire on India and bounced back to take its first win, 101-59, in the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup in Indonesia.

After ending the first half with a 51-33 lead, the Philippines continued to pound in the third quarter and limited India to just 10 points against their 31-point rampage to end the frame at 82-43.

The fourth quarter had the smallest difference for Philippines and India in quarter scoring, 19-16, in favor of the nationals. However, the margin was too much despite India's efforts in the final frame.

The nationals asserted mastery over India after sweeping their games in the 2022 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, with their last game prior to this ending in 79-63.

Will Navarro tallied a game-high 18 points, while Thirdy Ravena had 17 points and five rebounds in the win which gave Gilas a 1-1 card. Ray Parks added 12 points while Rhenz Abando had 10 points.

Muin Bek Hafeez led India with 14 points while Pranav Prince added 11 points.

Gilas Pilipinas is currently at the third spot of Group D with New Zealand and Lebanon having a win each. The two countries will face each other later tonight.

Gilas needs to finish at least third in the group to earn a spot in the playoff for the quarterfinals. Only the top teams of each group will directly qualify to the quarters of the tournament.

The Philippines will be back in action on Sunday when they play New Zealand to wrap up the group phase.

—JMB, GMA News