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Gilas Pilipinas Men will return home from the Manama bubble unscathed after beating Thailand, 93-69, in their second meeting of the 2021 FIBA Asian Cup qualifiers on Monday night.
Brothers Javi and Juan Gómez de Liaño led a large part of the Philippine offensive attack, adding a total of 33 points. Chanatip Jakrawan, MVP of the Thailand Basketball Open, outscored the brothers on his own, as he scored 34 points and 12 rebounds in the loss.
The Philippines, now atop Group A, posted their third win thanks to a much better start than their first meeting on Friday. Gilas immediately edged closer to an 11-0 streak, leaving the Thais, who fell to 0-4, scoreless for the first four minutes of the game.
Slowly, Thailand cut the Filipinos’ lead by hitting seven shots from the charity side, 15-7. They then cut the gap to four, after an undeniable two-handed dunk by Chanatip Jakrawan, 15-11. After this, the Philippines responded with four triples in a row to close out the first, capped by a triple by Juan Gómez de Liaño. The Philippines won after the first chapter, 27-19.
In the second quarter, Calvin Oftana, the current NCAA MVP, found his form and threw three from rainbow country, including one from about 30 feet. The Red Lion, who did not participate in last Friday’s game, scored 9 of his xx points in the period. Matt Nieto closed the first half with a float just before the halftime bell rang, with the Philippines comfortably ahead by 19, 53-34.
Things got a bit more interesting after halftime when Jakrawan lost 16 markers in the third alone, including 11 in a row. His personal career cut the lead to a minimum of half with 14, 64-50. Gilas Men, however, got back on track when he applauded 11-2 to end the fourth, and led 23, 75-52.
Javi Gómez de Liaño continued his onslaught in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 points that included a four-point play that increased the Philippine lead to 28, 82-54, which was the game’s biggest.
“It is our defense and the way we run our offense that won us the game,” center Justine Baltazar said.
Head coach Jong Uichico agreed with his player’s feelings and praised his competence.
“Justin was right. We asked them to play … The lead we had in the first game was great. We were concerned that we might take this game for granted. We really insisted on executing offense and defense. Thailand played better the whole game.” Uichico said.
Nieto left the track at 7:06 in the third quarter after spraining his ankle. Uichico said the team doesn’t know how bad the sprain is. The injury will be evaluated tomorrow.
THE SCORES
Philippines (93) – Ja. Gomez de Liaño 19, Ju. Gomez de Liaño 14, Ramos 13, Ma. Nieto 12, Oftana 9, Go 9, Ildefonso 5, Suerte 4, Paras 4, Baltazar 2, Carino 2, Tungcab 0.
Thailand (69) – Jakrawan 34, Suttisin 13 Muangboon 9 Jaisanuk 8 Chungyampin 5, Ghogar 0, Klaewnarong 0, 0 Lakhan, Wongsawangtham 0, 0 Mayfair.
Quarter Scores: 27-19, 53-34, 75-52, 93-69.
