MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas slow’s down the heavy favorite Australian Boomers in the first half, but could not hold the Boomers till the end who lost (84-68) at the Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne Australia on February 22, 2018 (Manila Time).
Despite the dominance of the Boomers, they only just beat the Gilas Pilipinas by 16pts which is lesser by 15pts on their average win against Japan and Chinese Taipei they beat Chinese Taipei by (104-66) and Japan in (82-58).
As expected Australia came out victorious against the visiting Gilas Pilipinas, but the Boomers fought hard in the opening 2 quarters as the visiting Gilas had their tough defense who even the first period with 19 a piece including 4 deadlock and 2 lead changes.
Photo credit: Spin.ph
Gilas Pilipinas continued to impress in the second period as they taste their 5pts lead against the Boomers with 30-25 after 2 assists by Ravena to Junemar Fajardo and a Jump Shot by Ravena but Australias offense ignited easily and force 12-2 run to end the first half with 5pts ahead.
Free Throws dominance of Australia in the first half
Australia made their 13 of 16 free throws or 81%, while Gilas Pilipinas only had 14% (1 of 7).
Gilas trims the lead by 3pts early in the third period after a 3pt conversion of Pogoy and 2 free throws of Ravena (42-39) but that was the closest the Gilas ever had as the Boomers end the quarter with a double digit lead and extend their lead to 21pts in the final quarter.
Fajardo led Gilas as the only player with double digit with 15pts while Naturalized Player Andray Blatche only held by 8pts and 7 rebounds.
Cameron Gliddon led Australia with 16pts, Mitch Creek also added a double-double with 12pts and 11 boards.
Height Advantage of Australia matters
Australia’s with 50 boards against the visiting Gilas Pilipinas with 30 boards.
Free Throws disparity
Australia made 25 of their 32 free throws or 78%, while Gilas Pilipinas only made 7 of their 19 or 37% at the line.
Quarter Scoring
First Quarter: Australia (19-19)
Second Quarter: (18-13)
Third Quarter: (26-17)
Fourth Quarter: (21-19) Gilas Pilipinas
Total: 84-68
Gilas will face Japan and host on February 25, 2018 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Gilas will also host against the Boomers on July 02, 2018 at the Philippine Arena but maybe with additional NBA players as their main player is currently playing such as Ben Simmons, Andrew Bogut and click here.
Game Summary
Total Lead Changes: 4
Total Deadlock: 4
Biggest Lead: 21pts (Australia)
Biggest Lead: 5pts (Philippines)
Score
AUSTRALIA 84 — Gliddon 16, Brandt 13, Creek 12, Lisch 12, Kay 7, Hodgson 6, Kickert, 5, Norton 4, Wagstaff 4, Cadee 2, Sobey 2, McCarron 1
GILAS PILIPINAS 68 — Fajardo 15, Wright 9, Blatche 8, Pogoy 8, Norwood 7, Alas 6, Ravena 6, Abueva 5, Aguilar 2, Tratter 2, Cruz 0, Maliksi 0.
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