Gilas rips Saudi to sweep WCQ 5th window

Kai Sotto imposes his will with a slam. FIBA

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Gilas Pilipinas withstood a gallant stand from Saudi Arabia to take a 76-63 win in their FIBA World Cup Qualifiers meeting early Monday (Philippine Time) at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.

Just like its match against Jordan early Friday, Gilas pulled away in the second half thanks to a more solid offense than the first half.

Gilas actually set things up in the second quarter after holding Saudi to just nine points to break a 16-all tie after the first.

RR Pogoy and Dwight Ramos each scored 13 points for Gilas, which swept the fifth window and moved up to 5-3 in Group E play.

Mathna Al-Marwani led Saudi, which dropped to 2-6, with 19 points, eight rebounds, one steal, and one block.

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