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| Jamie Malonzo helped tow Gilas past Iran's second team. Kennelf Monteza (file photo) |
MANILA--Gilas Pilipinas began its campaign in the Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament with a 76-65 win against Iran on Thursday night at the Heyuan Sports Gymnasium in Guangzhou.
Gilas leaned on their defense, especially in the last three quarters to pummel Iran after the latter, composed mainly of players from its second team, actually took the lead at the end of the first period.
After Iran finished the first 10 minutes ahead, 23-21, Gilas held them to just 11 points in the second quarter and 12 in the third even as they led by as much as 22 points, 69-47, early in the fourth.
Iran had a strong finish to the game, but it was not enough to steal the come-from-behind win.
Jamie Malonzo led Gilas' balanced attack with 11 points, six rebounds, and one assist, while Dwight Ramos and Calvin Oftana each added 10 markers.
Gilas will next face Senegal, which beat Iran in Wednesday night's tournament opener, on Friday night.
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