(https://i.imgur.com/jogTVm7.png)(https://i.imgur.com/BEnzYai.png)Fourteen lead changes, ten times it was a tied game. It was game of runs and lost leads as the final score belies how this game was as close as any.
Howell Rios bullied his way to the tune of 25 points and 15 boards but will be frustrated as it was not enough to carry the Philippine contingent to an upset win over their USA counterpart.
Gilas made it close all throughout the regular quarters but it took USA an extra five minutes to pull away from the fighting Filipinos.
After falling behind by five points in the first twelve minutes Gilas managed to take the lead in the ensuing quarter after Catolico's strong driving layup made it 33-32. They managed to hold off the Americans with the narrow three point lead heading into halftime but USA stormed back and locked the scores at 64 entering the final canto.
Philippines felt like an upset was in the books when Jefferson fouled Catolico with just thirteen seconds left. Catolico calmly made both free throws to lift the gap to 94-91. But USA was not to be denied as Jefferson made up for his previous blunder by making a tough three-pointer to tie game with eight seconds remaining on the game clock. Salinas managed to sneak into the lane as time expired but his layup attempt was foiled by Deal and missed it entirely.
The situation was different in overtime, after Javier's layup that temporarily gave Gilas the lead, they all but lost the fight as USA fired off consecutive baskets to push the gap to fourteen heading in into the final buzzer.
Johnny Naquin lead the Americans with 23 points and five assists in his U21 debut. Center, Chris Prater had only 2 rebounds but replacement Terry Sparks came in and grabbed 12 boards as consolation.
Gilas debutants Obligacion, Bernal and Catolico all made good impressions on their first game according to sports pundits, an exciting show despite the loss. Obligacion had 9 rebounds to go with his 13 points, Bernal accomplished a double-double with 13 points and twelve rebounds, meanwhile Catolico, who almost won in for the Filipinos with this steady play, had seven dimes.
Last edited by Pro_Shot π΅π at 7/27/2018 3:46:29 AM