MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas returns home and defeat the visiting Japanese team in a dramatic ending (89-84) behind Jason Castro’s floater in dying seconds at the Mall of Asia Arena on February 25, 2018 (Manila Time).
After a loss to the Boomers last Thursday Gilas Pilipinas looked fatigued at the opening period, Japanese Team easily poured 20-4 ahead against our Gilas but Gilas ignited lead by Ravena’s and countered back with 17-2 run to end the first quarter.
Gilas returns the favor in the second period as they continue their run 34-22, Japan who’s hot in the opening period could not convert any basket, Naoto Tsuji and Ira Brown only stop the bleeding by their pair of free throws, but Gilas established their biggest lead 41-26, as what Gilas did in the opening period Japan also had Makoto Hiejima and Ira Brown to trim the lead by 43-41 before Troy Rosario hits a triple to end the first half with 5pts ahead.
Gilas extends their led in double digit in the third period as the beast “Calvin Abueva” rebounding and diving the ball made the loudest crowd at the Arena when the “Beast” touches the ball.
Being down by 86-77 in the final 2 minute frame, Ira Brown made a triple then a succeeding turnover that leads to Tanaka’s two consecutive baskets (86-84) with 31 seconds that put the silence of the Mall of Asia Arena crowd.
That’s what Jason Castro “The Blur” is re-inserted in the lineup when time nearly to expire he makes a floater using the Glass to extend the lead by 4 before Andray Blatche sealed the win with his split free throws (89-84).
Sweet revenge for Chot Reyes against Julio Lamas
Gilas wins also a revenge for Coach Chot Reyes against Julio Lamas who had a hurtful loss (85-81) against Argentina headed by Julio Lamas in the 2014 Fiba World Cup in Seville, Spain.
Andray Blatche who only held by 8pts and 7 rebounds against the Boomers led Gilas with 18pts and 16 rebounds. Troy Rosario and Kiefer Ravena also finished in double digit with 14pts and 13pts respectively, while Jason Castro only finished with 8pts.
Makoto Hiejima led the Japanese squad with 23pts and their Naturalized Player Ira Brown finished with 16pts and 8 rebounds
Philippines Dominance in the Board
Gilas with a total of 47 boards against the visiting Japan with 29 boards.
Gilas wins improved their card to 3-1 while Japan continue their losing streak with 0-4 card.
Game Summary
Total Lead Changes: 1
Total Deadlock: 1
Biggest Lead: 16pts (Japan)
Biggest Lead: 15pts (Philippines)
Quarter Scoring
First Quarter: Philippines (21-22)
Second Quarter: (25-19)
Third Quarter: (26-20)
Fourth Quarter: (17-23) Japan
Total: 89-84
Score
PHILIPPINES (89) — Blatche 18, Rosario 14, Ravena 13, Abueva 8, Castro William 8, Norwood 8, Fajardo 7, Pogoy 6, Aguilar 5, Jalalon 2, Wright 0.
JAPAN (84) — Hiejima 23, Brown 16, Tanaka 12, Shinoyama 9, Tsuji 8, Ota 6, Takeuchi 5, Uto 3, Harimoto 2, Furukawa 0, Hashimoto 0, Nagayoshi 0.
Japan vs Philippines Highlights
Source: FIBA
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