GILAS TRIPS EGYPT, ARRESTS SKID
Gilas Pilipinas got back on the winning track six days before the opening of the 2014 FIBA World Cup via a 74-65 drubbing of Egypt in Guadalajara, Spain.
Before a cheering crowd of about 2,000 Filipinos, the Nationals tore the Egyptians apart in the final half, pulling a first win in the stretch run of their buildup for the World meet.
Jeff Chan tossed in 20 points while Dray Blatche overcame an anemic first-half shooting and rifled in 14 in the last two quarters as Gilas Pilipinas checked a five-game slump in Antibes, France and in San Sebastian, Spain.
The Nationals made a good impression in Guadalajara, 60 kilometers northeast of Madrid, which is hosting several other teams gearing up for the World Cup.
In the day’s other game, Estonia whipped Senegal, 74-61.
The previous day, Argentina clobbered Estonia, 89-72, while Dominican Republic massacred Senegal, 83-47.
On Tuesday, Gilas Pilipinas tests the mettle of Dominican Republic – the Nationals’ last warm-up game before beginning their World Cup campaign versus Croatia on Aug. 30 in Seville.
Marc Pingris, June Mar Fajardo and Paul Lee put up significant help as Gilas Pilipinas topped Egypt.
The African WC qualifier sported a 5-3 win-loss card in tune-up matches before bowing to the Filipinos. (SB)
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