Juan Gomez de Liano
FIBA
Dominant Gilas sweeps Thailand in 2nd window of FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers
Luisa Morales (Philstar.com) - November 30, 2020 - 10:42pm

MANILA, Philippines — The young Gilas Pilipinas squad reassseted its mastery over Thailand, 93-69, to sweep their matchup in the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in Manama, Bahrain on Monday.

Brothers Javi and Juan Gomez de Liano were the offensive sparks for Gilas against the Thais with a combined 33 points.

For his part, Calvin Oftana, who barged into the Gilas 12-man lineup after being cut in the first game, showed his worth with a nine-point performance off a great shooting from the 3-point area.

Unlike the first game, Gilas was able to come out of the gates hot and uncorked an 11-0 run with all five starters scoring early.

But early foul trouble by the Filipinos sent the Thais to the free throw line often, and that kept the latter in the game even after going without a field goal in the first five minutes of the contest.

Thailand was able to get to within four of Gilas, 18-14 after a Wattana Suttisin and-one play. But the Nationals pulled away once again with Juan Gomez de Liano leading the pack.

The UP guard continued his offensive onslaught in the second period and was complemented with by Oftana, who came off the bench.

With Gilas banking on its offensive firepower and stingy defense in the paint, they led the Thais at the half by 19, 53-34.

The last two quarters saw Gilas keep a comfortable margin until the final buzzer.

The Pinoys' advantage ballooned to as big as 28, 82-54 in the fourth quarter after a four-point play from Javi Gomez de Liano.

He led the way in scoring for Gilas with his 19 points while his younger brother Juan chipped in 14.

Dwight Ramos, who had a perfect outing in his last game for Gilas, tallied 13 points.

Meanwhile, Chanatip Jakrawan paced the Thais with 34 points in the losing effort.

BASKETBALL FIBA GILAS PILIPINAS
Philstar
  • Latest
  • Trending
Latest