Gilas bounces back, crushes Lithuanian collegiate squad in European friendlies

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Gilas Pilipinas men’s national basketball team redeemed themselves after demolishing a young Lithuanian squad composed of collegiate players, 125-102, during another European international friendly game for the upcoming FIBA World Cup last July 8, 2023, held in Kaunas, Lithuania.

Lithuania didn’t field any professional hooper in the lineup but they tested the ability of the roster that will be joining in the FISU World University Games next month.

June Mar Fajardo was unstoppable against the young Lithuanians after leading the way with 28 big points alongside four rebounds, two steals, and a block.

It was a walk in the park for the six-time PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) recipient after imposing his will underneath Lithuania’s shaded lane.

After seeing the mismatch down at the post, head coach Chot Reyes decided to feed Fajardo the ball and paid off the trust of his coaching staff by dominating at will while fishing for fouls.

However, it was not an easy job against the young Lithuanian squad after draining tons of three-pointers to grab a two-point lead at the half, 61-63.

It was in the third quarter when the PHL national team snowballed its way against Lithuania, locking them up with their adjusted perimeter defense while also feeding Fajardo in the paint to kick off their scoring party.

Justin Brownlee was also magnificent during the win after contributing 24 points including 11 markers in their momentum-clinching third-quarter rally.

The duo of Fajardo and Brownlee looked unstoppable against the Lithuanians and schooled them in every way every time they tried to defend them during the isolations.

Lithuania started to double Fajardo at the start of the fourth quarter but was already late as Gilas’ lead swelled up to double digits in the last nine minutes of the ball game.

Kiefer Ravena joined Fajardo and Brownlee in the scoring avalanche and put up 18 points built from an impressive 5/8 shooting from the field.

Meanwhile, CJ Perez and Rhenz Abando added 14 and 12 points, respectively, and were responsible for ballooning the lead midway through the third canto.