Gilas sweeps second round with mauling of India

FIBA
By Ivan Saldajeno

CHANGSHA--Gilas Pilipinas took the first top seed in the knockout stages after downing India, 99-65, in the final day of the second round of the FIBA Asia Championship at the CSWC Dayun Arena on Tuesday.

Gilas, which was in Group B in the first round, pulled away in the second half to buck a relatively slow start and completed a 3-0 sweep against the former Group A teams in Group E action.

Terrence Romeo came off the bench and led Gilas with 20 points, three rebounds, four assists, and three steals, while Andray Blatche added 15 points, three rebounds, two assists, and five steals.

Vishesh Bhriguvanshi tallied 21 markers, three boards, and three dimes for India, which got outscored, 29-57, in the final 20 minutes.

Gilas will more likely await the winner of the Lebanon-Jordan game, which is being played as of posting, for its quarterfinal battle on Thursday.

Box Scores:

Philippines 99-Romeo 20, Blatche 15, De Ocampo 13, Abueva 12, Castro 12, Pingris 12, Hontiveros 6, Rosser 5, Norwood 2, Intal 2, Thoss 0, Taulava 0

India 65-Bhriguvanshi 21, Amr. Singh 18, Amj. Singh 11, Y. Singh 7, Pari 5, Shinde 3, Arumugam 0, Kaushik 0, Prakash Uppar 0, Gill 0, Kumar 0

Quarterscores: 16-17, 42-36, 65-50, 99-65

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