Gilas falls to Montenegro in friendly match

(Photo courtesy of SBP)

By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno | Philippine News Agency

Gilas Pilipinas suffered a tough 87-102 defeat to world number 18 Montenegro in their closed-door tune-up game ahead of the FIBA World Cup on Sunday night at the PhilSports Arena.

Montenegro banked on a strong third quarter to pummel Gilas, who stayed close to them in the first half.

Gilas led at the end of the first quarter, 19-16, with Dwight Ramos sizzling early with eight points in the said period.

However, as the offense picked up in the second quarter, especially Jordan Clarkson, who tallied 12 in the said period, Montenegro became more efficient and entered halftime ahead, 44-42.

Montenegro broke away in the third quarter, outscoring Gilas, 32-22, before sealing the win with a better showing again than Gilas in the fourth.

NBA All-Star Nikola Vucevic led Montenegro with 18 points, nine rebounds, one assist and two blocks, while team captain Bojan Dubljevic added 16 points, three rebounds, and three assists.

Clarkson finished with 27 points, 18 in the first half, two rebounds, five assists and one steal for Gilas, which is now 1-1 in their three-game stretch in a span of four nights.

Coach Chot Reyes only left Chris Newsome out of the Gilas team that beat Ivory Coast on Friday night, replacing him with Calvin Oftana.

Oftana went scoreless in four and a half minutes with only one rebound and one turnover to show. – gb

Popular

SSS to roll out 3-year pension hike starting September 2025

By Anna Leah Gonzales | Philippine News Agency State-run Social Security System (SSS) said it will implement a Pension Reform Program, which features a structured,...

DOE to talk with DSWD, DILG for Lifeline Rate utilization

By Joann Villanueva | Philippine News Agency The Department of Energy (DOE) is set to discuss with other government agencies the inclusion of more Pantawid...

Zero-billing for basic accommodation in DOH hospitals applicable to everyone —Herbosa

By Brian Campued The “zero balance billing” being implemented in all Department of Health (DOH)-run hospitals across the country is applicable to everyone as long...

DepEd committed to address classroom shortage

By Brian Campued Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara on Wednesday emphasized the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in addressing the shortage of classrooms...