FIBA WORLD CUP: Gilas repels Ivory Coast to remain unbeaten in Spain

By: Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

DESPITE trailing in the first half, Gilas Pilipinas erased Ivory Coast’s lead and proved why they were the more veteran team after garnering a 94-83 victory to stay undefeated in their training camp in Spain.

Ivory Coast surprised Gilas with excellent shooting as they led 28-19 after the first canto before ending the half on top at 50-45.

In the second half, Gilas began to operate led by veteran and naturalized player Andray Blatche who flirted with a triple-double chipping in 18 points, 10 dimes and 7 boards.

The whole second half was all about Gilas as their shots began connecting.

Paul “Lethal Weapon” Lee sparked Gilas with 16 points, Japeth Aguilar contributed 12 and Rookie of the year candidate CJ Perez tallied 11 points.

With the win Gilas ended their set of tune-up games in Guadalajara and will head back to Madrid where they will face Congo again in a pocket tournament.

The winner between Gilas and Congo will face the victor between Spain and Ivory Coast.