Australia overpowers Gilas Pilipinas
The Philippine national men’s basketball team lost in the hands of FIBA Oceania champions Australia, 97-75, on Saturday (Sunday morning in Philippine time) on the second day of the pocket tournament in Antibes, France.
The Australia National Men’s Basketball team is composed of NBA players that include Aron Baynes of the San Antonio Spurs, Cameron Bairstow of the Chicago Bulls, Matthew Dellavedova of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz rookie Dante Exum, and a former NBA player Nathan Jawaii.
Australia got an early double-digit lead, 16-6, in the opening quarter behind the performance of Aron Baynes and Cameron Bairstow. But the Philippines fought back; Andray Blatche and Castro led the charge keeping Gilas by just three points, 20-17, at the end of the first.
Gilas Pilipinas played toe-to-toe from first half and early in the 3rd quarter but the Australian were too much to handle in the 4th quarter. The FIBA Oceania champions outscored the Philippines 24-12 in the last quarter to take away the win.
Blatche look solid from first quarter to third quarter but fall short in the last quarter, finishing with double-double scoring 20 points and with 10 rebounds. Returning Jayson Castro contributed with 12 points while Jeff Chan added 11 markers in a losing effort for the team Philippines.
Baynes dropped 15 points to lead the Australians. The 19 year old Dante Exum had an all-around game finishing with 8 points, 5 boards and 5 assist.
Gilas Pilipinas will be facing Ukraine for their last assignment in the tournament.
