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| Ray Chen broke Gilas' hearts with an explosive outing. FIBA |
MANILA--Kevin Quiambao proved to be a solid contributor for Gilas Pilipinas down the stretch, but his efforts were not enough to overcome a hot night from Ray Chen as the Philippine team fell prey again to Chinese Taipei, 87-95, to start its FIBA Asia Cup campaign early Wednesday (Philippine Time) at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.
In a game where Justin Brownlee was hampered by foul trouble, Gilas leaned on Quiambao's stellar second half to keep them within striking distance against Chinese Taipei.
However, Chen proved to be a thorn for Gilas, all the more so after Brownlee fouled out, as he willed the Taiwanese team to victory, preserving a hot start.
Chen finished with 34 points on 10-of-17 field goals, including 6-of-8 from long range, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals for Chinese Taipei, which joined New Zealand at the top of Group D.
Brandon Gilbeck added 16 points on a perfect 4-for-4 from the field and nine rebounds as he dominated the paint against the reigning PBA MVP, June Mar Fajardo.
Coupled with its huge win at home last February during the qualifying phase, Chinese Taipei has now beaten Gilas two straight times in an official FIBA game.
Brownlee still led Gilas with 19 points on 8-of-15 shooting, seven rebounds, and two assists, while Quiambao added 17 points on 6-of-10 field goals, all within the final 16 and a half minutes of action, four rebounds, and two assists.
