Netherlands pulls huge upset against Gilas behind hot third quarter

FIBA (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

TALLINN--FIBA should now take a closer look at Netherlands.

The unranked Dutch national team blew out 31st-ranked Gilas Pilipinas, 89-62, at the start of a three-day pocket tournament as a tune-up to their respective continental championship campaigns on Friday (Philippine Time).

Netherlands fought back from an eight-point second quarter deficit and outscored Gilas, 29-4, in the third period en route to the upset rout.

Schafternaar Roeland led the Dutchmen with 15 points and seven rebounds, while Calvin Abueva had an impressive national team debut with 12 markers and six boards off the bench for Gilas, which will play Estonia next on Saturday (Philippine Time).