Gilas Pilipinas vents ire on Kazakhstan, enters Asian Games win column

Photo from Asian GamesAfter an unfortunate start to its 20th Asian Games campaign, all-PBA Gilas Pilipinas vented its ire on Kazakhstan 109-78, to enter the win column in Group C of the men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Aichi International Arena.

With the win, the Philippines’ title defense in the continental meet got a boost, keeping quarterfinals hopes alive.

After a dismal Asian Games debut, prolific scorer Robert Bolick bounced back in a big way, erupting for 20 points while adding two assists. He already had 13 points in the first two quarters, leading Gilas to a 50-37 lead entering the halftime break.

It was Jerrick Ahanmisi who sustained Gilas’ hot shooting in the fourth frame, firing a team-high 22 points on 7-of-11 clip from beyond the arc, to go with two assists.

Sedrick Barefield likewise had a better performance this time, backstopping Bolick and Ahanmisi with 11 points, four rebounds, and five assists, while Zav Lucero was impressive as well, notching a double-double shy of 10 markers and nine boards.

Calvin Oftana, the team’s top performer in Gilas’ first match against Bahrain, finished with 12 points.

Gilas raced to an 11-0 start in the match, but the Kazakhs eventually caught up after the first 10 minutes, 18-15. The Filipino hoopers picked up where they left off, unleashing a 12-0 run to kick start the second period en route to a 50-37 cushion at the half.

In the fourth frame, Ahanmisi scorched hot from deep, converting threes as Gilas cruised to its first win in the Asian Games.

Next up for Gilas Men is China, scheduled for Monday, September 14.