Gilas Pilipinas falls short against Turkey, 84-76

The Philippine national men’s basketball team showed signs of improvement against heavily favored Turkey but Gilas Pilipinas still succumbed to an 84-76 defeat in a tuneup game just four days before the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Andray Blatche led the Filipinos in scoring with 20 points which went along with seven boards and five assists. Terrence Romeo had 16 points, including eight consecutive in the fourth frame in a comeback attempt that fell short.

Jayson Castro finished with 13 points, while Gabe Norwood added 10 but those numbers weren’t enough to take down Turkey which annihilated them, 103-68, in their first outing in Istanbul last June 22.

Guard Ali Muhammed paced the 12 Giant Men with 16 points while former NBA player Semih Erden added 13 markers.

Sinan Guler and NBA Draft pick Cedi Osman scored 10 apiece for Turkey which asserted itself anew against the Filipinos.

Unlike in its first outing versus the 12 Giant Men, Gilas Pilipinas was able to put up a fight early.

Blatche scored 10 points in the opening frame as he outplayed his Turkish defenders who had a hard time containing him.

But his production was countered by fellow naturalized player Muhammed who made 11 first quarter points.

Gilas Pilipinas grabbed a 20-19 lead after the opening period.

Gilas Pilipinas had one last run left. Romeo exploded for eight straight pints in the closing seconds to trim Turkey’s lead to just six, 82-76, with 47 seconds to play.

However, time was too short for the Filipinos to complete a rally.

source: interaksyon.com

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