June Mar Fajardo imposes will inside as Gilas caps Euro trip with win vs. Lithuania's Universiade squad

Gilas huddles before their game against Lithuania's Universiade selection. SBP

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Gilas Pilipinas ended its tune-up series in Europe with an impressive 125-102 win against a Lithuanian team composed of youth players on Saturday at the Zalgirio Arena in Kaunas, Lithuania.

In a game played for 48 minutes, Gilas' third quarter defense made the difference in the high-scoring affair as they held the Lithuanian side to just 10 points while scoring 37 of their own to open a 98-73 cushion.

The Lithuanian team never got to pull off a comeback in the fourth as June Mar Fajardo was a menace in the interior.

Fajardo finished with 28 points on 7-of-9 field goals and 14-of-15 free throws, four rebounds, two assists, one block, and two steals for Gilas, which won for the third time in their Euro trip before they return home.

Justin Brownlee added 24 points, eight rebounds, five assists, four steals, and two blocks.

Amas Berucka led the Lithuanian selection with 15 points and three rebounds.

The said squad is heading to Chengdu, China for the Summer Universiade later this month.

Box Scores:

Philippines 125-Fajardo 28, Brownlee 24, K. Ravena 18, Perez 14, Abando 12, Malonzo 11, Kouame 7, T. Ravena 6, Aguilar 5, Newsome 0

Lithuania 102-Berucka 15, Stenionis 14, Sederevicius 14, Jarumbauskas 9, Valinskas 9, Giedraitis 8, Daunys 8, Baslyk 6, Zdanavicius 6, Mneikis 5, Kozys 4, Zemaltis 3, Keliacius 1, Romancenko 0

Quarterscores: 28-30, 61-63, 98-73, 125-102

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