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| Kai Sotto imposes his will inside with this dunk. FIBA |
MANILA--Gilas Pilipinas had a solid debut in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers after taking down Hong Kong on the road, 94-64, on Thursday night at the Tsuen Wan Stadium.
A huge third quarter was all Gilas needed to repulse Hong Kong in a game that saw the host team actually putting up a fight in the first half.
Gilas thought they could cruise to a smooth sailing after starting the game on a 9-0 run.
Hong Kong, however, stormed back later in the first quarter and even took the lead momentarily in the second quarter as Gilas, although entering halftime ahead, was just up by four, 41-37.
The game-turning point came right after the intermission as Gilas outscored Hong Kong, 30-9, in the third period to open a 25-point cushion, 71-46, entering the fourth.
Gilas sustained their dominance in the fourth quarter to complete the 30-point rout.
In his first game back in all competitions after serving a three-month suspension for a failed anti-doping test, Justin Brownlee led Gilas with 16 points on 6-of-12 shooting including 2-of-3 on threes, seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.
Kevin Quiambao added 15 points on 7-of-12 shooting including 6-of-9 on twos, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
Kai Sotto chipped in 13 points, 15 rebounds, one assist, two blocks, and one steal.
Leung Shiu-Wah led Hong Kong with 15 points, one rebound, and one assist, but he committed five of the team's 13 turnovers.
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