(UPDATED) In just the nick of time, Gilas Pilipinas solved their counterpart’s mystery as they finally found its way to seal a 100-85 win against the red hot-shooting Japanese team in the 39th William Jones Cup on Tuesday afternoon at the Taipei Heping Gymnasium, Taiwan.
Both teams were trying to snatch the pace with their own offensive and defensive plays but the Philippines showcased their quick touch-passing ability and find Von Pessumal for a buzzer-beating three on the last part of first period to grab a one possession lead, 19-16.
The Philippine team, even on their attacking game at the second quarter, was unable to pull away due to their point-blank misses that gave the relentless Japanese squad their second taste of the lead.
Courtesy of their outside operators and an impressive 42.1% three-point shooting against Gilas’ poor 27.3%, Japan was able to trade long range baskets with the Philippines and reclaimed their one-point lead at the end of the first half, 42-41.
The threatening was not yet over as Japan sustained their lead early in the second half due to unforced errors and defensive misplays inside the paint of Gilas Pilipinas.
However, the Philippine team, slowly and surely, whipped some momentum and regained the lead through Standhardinger’s inside offensive presence that started the Gilas’ scoring barrage.
Gilas youngsters made a mini run with two consecutive stops and two back-to-back baskets courtesy of Jio Jalalon’ s nice-looking floater and Myers transition power dunk that made the Filipino crowd errupt.
The game-filled action resumed as the Japanese found their sparks with their squad’s balanced scoring and locked horn with the Filipinos at 66 a piece.
Meanwhile, Jalalon continued to provide sparks, with his combined offensive and defensive efforts, as they exchanged baskets with the pesky Japanese team in the final canto.
Finally, pandemonium broke loose as the known streaky shooter Wright showcased a rare emphatic dunk in the final stretch, followed by his specialty of the house cold-blooded corner three that completed their 10-0 major run.
There was no looking back for Gilas after the major run and gave them more than enough reason to grab the win, 100-85.
Christian Standhardinger once again led Gilas with 22 points and 15 rebounds on an impressive 10-of-12 shooting while Gilas’ reinforcement Mike Myers added 17 points and 17 rebounds.
The youngsters also contributed as Wright tallied 15 points and 4 assists, Ravena and Jalalon both scored 11 points.
Gilas continued to improve their record with 3 consecutive wins and one loss, and will face South Korea next on Wednesday at 5 pm.
| Tretch Melarpes – PTV
