Gilas Pilipinas began its quest for the Asian Games gold with an 85-76 win against India in Incheon, South Korea.
Behind the hot shooting of L.A. Tenorio and Jeff Chan, the Filipinos opened the match with 16 unanswered points.
But the Indians started catching fire and cut the lead to five, 24-19, early into the second quarter.
The big men combination of Japeth Aguilar, Junemar Fajardo, and Marcus Douthit responded and led another Gilas charge to extend the lead to 17, 47-30, late into the period.
The advantage ballooned to 19, 69-50 late in the third canto after Gilas countered India's mini-runs.
The Indians looked to spark a major comeback after ending the third on a 6-1 run to come to within 14, 56-70.
But Gary David opened the payoff quarter with five consecutive points to increase Gilas' lead to 19 again.
India tried to rebuild the comeback bid, but Gilas again stopped the mini-rally.
Chan finally secured Gilas' win with a triple as India's endgame rally fell short.
But the Indians started catching fire and cut the lead to five, 24-19, early into the second quarter.
The big men combination of Japeth Aguilar, Junemar Fajardo, and Marcus Douthit responded and led another Gilas charge to extend the lead to 17, 47-30, late into the period.
The advantage ballooned to 19, 69-50 late in the third canto after Gilas countered India's mini-runs.
The Indians looked to spark a major comeback after ending the third on a 6-1 run to come to within 14, 56-70.
But Gary David opened the payoff quarter with five consecutive points to increase Gilas' lead to 19 again.
India tried to rebuild the comeback bid, but Gilas again stopped the mini-rally.
Chan finally secured Gilas' win with a triple as India's endgame rally fell short.
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