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| Gilas inched one step closer to making the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup main draw. SBP |
MANILA--Gilas Pilipinas showed its might down the stretch to take down Maldives, 21-16, at the start of its campaign in the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup on Thursday in Singapore.
Despite the height advantage, Gilas struggled to quickly pull away from the gritty Maldivian side as the latter even took an 11-9 lead with 6:16 left in the supposed 10-minute encounter.
However, a two-point play from Sean Alter in the next play sparked a game-turning 7-0 run that gave Gilas a 16-11 advantage with 4:13 to go.
Maldives still had one last gasp as it cut the lead to two 17-15, but Alter and Jerrick Ahanmisi delivered the finishing blow for Gilas as the Filipinos called game with 1:46 to spare.
Alter imposed his will inside as he led Gilas with 11 points, while Ahanmisi added four, and Chris Koon and Ralph Cu each had three.
Gilas can seal its place in the main tournament if it beats Thailand later Thursday.
Ismail Yoosuf's 10 points on four two-pointers were not enough for Maldives to pull off the massive upset.
Mohamed Wajeeh and Mohamed Ali each added three markers for Maldives, which now hopes for a three-way tie with Gilas and Thailand to ensue to still have a chance in making the main draw.
