 |
| Justin Brownlee crosses over Ray Miller before scoring the open layup. Joseph Sanvictores |
PASIG--Gilas Pilipinas got a good head start in its lead-up to the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament after beating TAT club Taiwan Mustangs, 74-64, in their send-off friendly game on Monday night at the PhilSports Arena.
Gilas quickly pulled away from Taiwan, opening a 22-7 lead with four minutes left in the first quarter.
The Mustangs, however, went on a 12-0 run later in the first to cut the lead down to three before Carl Tamayo beat the buzzer with a halfcourt heave to up the lead back to six, 25-19, at the end of the quarter.
The game remained tight in the second quarter and early in the third before Gilas pulled away for good later in the third frame with a 17-3 run that opened the game's biggest lead at 17, 58-41.
Dwight Ramos led Gilas with 19 points, three rebounds, and four steals, while Justin Brownlee played more of a facilitator and dished out 15 assists along with 12 points, five rebounds, three steals, and one block.
Oscar Lopez led Taiwan with 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
Former PBA stars Alex Cabagnot and Rashawn McCarthy put up 13 and 12 points, respectively, while seven-foot-six behemoth Sam Deguara had 10 points, 13 rebounds, one assist, and one block.
Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno
.jpg)
