by Arizha Bumatay
Gilas loses to Puerto Rico (photo courtesy of The Epoch Times)
The game resulted to another bitter fate for the Filipinos last Wednesday night as the undermanned Puerto Rico beat Gilas Pilipinas with the score 77-73, marking Philippines’ fourth straight loss in their first World Cup stint since 1978.
The Philippines led the first half of the game but was beaten by the Puerto Ricans by throwing three-pointers, lay ups, jump shots and free throws on the two remaining quarters.
Gilas Pilipinas, branded as underdogs before the Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA) started, gave another good performance on the first half of their match against Puerto Rico by a nine-point lead but was answered by lay ups and jump shots cutting the gap. Puerto Rico led the second half of the game.
It was a tight match for both teams because it will be either’s first win on the tournament. Both teams were defeated on their first three games and this was their only chance to start to win a game throughout the FIBA Group B match.
It was in the third quarter, Gilas were outscored 57-61, and has since pursued for the lead.
On the first two minutes of the fourth quarter, Andray Blatche did a layup but was answered by a three-point jumpshot from Ricky Sanchez of Puerto Rico, 59-64, leading a five-point gap against Gilas.
However, Gilas tied the score with more than five minutes remaining by a two-point jumpshot and layup, and one of two free throws by Ranidel De Ocampo and Blatche, respectively.
Puerto Rico was granted with two free throws but missed its first shot and Lewis Tenorio scored a three point jumpshot, 67-65, making Gilas lead again by two.
Jose Barea did a lay-up and tied the score but Blatche answered it with a three point jumpshot, 70-67, Gilas again on the lead with more than 3 minutes remaining on the clock.
It was through Barea’s jumpshot, layup, and free throws that made Puerto Rico lead the score with 70-75 and 13 seconds remaining.
Jimmy Alapag successfully did three free throws giving them the chance for overtime, 4 seconds remaining; but Sanchez was granted with two free throws, fouled by Tenorio.
Jayson William made a last second shot but missed it and ended the game in favor of Puerto Rico, 73-77.
Philippines led the statistics with 37.7 percent from the three-point area compared to Puerto Rico’s 37.1 percent.
Three Gilas players scored double digits: Blatche, led the scoring for the Philippines with 25 points, Tenorio contributing 18 points, Dalistan with ten points; while Alapag managed to contribute six points.
*The Scores:
PUERTO RICO – 77 – Barea 30, Sanchez 13, Huertas 13, Rivera 5, Galindo 5, Diaz 4, Franklin 2, Clemente 2, Balkman 2.
GILAS PILIPINAS 73 – Blatche 23, Tenorio 18, Lee 10, Alapag 6, Norwood 6, Castro 4, De Ocampo 2, Pingris w, Aguilar 0, Chan 0.
Quarters: 25-13, 44-39, 61-57, 77-73.
*Scores taken from Inquirer Sports.
The Philippines led the first half of the game but was beaten by the Puerto Ricans by throwing three-pointers, lay ups, jump shots and free throws on the two remaining quarters.
Gilas Pilipinas, branded as underdogs before the Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA) started, gave another good performance on the first half of their match against Puerto Rico by a nine-point lead but was answered by lay ups and jump shots cutting the gap. Puerto Rico led the second half of the game.
It was a tight match for both teams because it will be either’s first win on the tournament. Both teams were defeated on their first three games and this was their only chance to start to win a game throughout the FIBA Group B match.
It was in the third quarter, Gilas were outscored 57-61, and has since pursued for the lead.
On the first two minutes of the fourth quarter, Andray Blatche did a layup but was answered by a three-point jumpshot from Ricky Sanchez of Puerto Rico, 59-64, leading a five-point gap against Gilas.
However, Gilas tied the score with more than five minutes remaining by a two-point jumpshot and layup, and one of two free throws by Ranidel De Ocampo and Blatche, respectively.
Puerto Rico was granted with two free throws but missed its first shot and Lewis Tenorio scored a three point jumpshot, 67-65, making Gilas lead again by two.
Jose Barea did a lay-up and tied the score but Blatche answered it with a three point jumpshot, 70-67, Gilas again on the lead with more than 3 minutes remaining on the clock.
It was through Barea’s jumpshot, layup, and free throws that made Puerto Rico lead the score with 70-75 and 13 seconds remaining.
Jimmy Alapag successfully did three free throws giving them the chance for overtime, 4 seconds remaining; but Sanchez was granted with two free throws, fouled by Tenorio.
Jayson William made a last second shot but missed it and ended the game in favor of Puerto Rico, 73-77.
Philippines led the statistics with 37.7 percent from the three-point area compared to Puerto Rico’s 37.1 percent.
Three Gilas players scored double digits: Blatche, led the scoring for the Philippines with 25 points, Tenorio contributing 18 points, Dalistan with ten points; while Alapag managed to contribute six points.
*The Scores:
PUERTO RICO – 77 – Barea 30, Sanchez 13, Huertas 13, Rivera 5, Galindo 5, Diaz 4, Franklin 2, Clemente 2, Balkman 2.
GILAS PILIPINAS 73 – Blatche 23, Tenorio 18, Lee 10, Alapag 6, Norwood 6, Castro 4, De Ocampo 2, Pingris w, Aguilar 0, Chan 0.
Quarters: 25-13, 44-39, 61-57, 77-73.
*Scores taken from Inquirer Sports.