Gilas Pilipinas bows to Australia, 84-68, in FIBA World Cup qualifiers

The Philippines had a gallant first half stand before fading in the third quarter to fall to Australia, 84-68, on Thursday in Melbourne.

It was the first defeat for Gilas Pilipinas in the qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup. The Philippine squad defeated Japan and Chinese Taipei during the first window of the qualifiers last November.

Despite missing ace guard Jayson Castro because of an ankle injury, Gilas impressed against the taller Boomers side early on.

Buoyed by a raucous contingent of Filipinos living in Australia, the Philippines went toe-to-toe in the first period, which ended in a 19-all tie. The Filipino dribblers still led 30-25 midway through the second quarter, but Australia held Gilas to just two points the rest of the way for a 37-31 halftime lead.

But Gilas lost steam late in the third quarter after June Mar Fajardo sat down with his fourth foul. Clamping down on Gilas shooters while catching fire from the perimeter, Australia scored the final eight points of the third period to take a 63-49 lead heading into the payoff quarter.

Australia continued to pile on to open the fourth, opening up its biggest lead at 21, 70-49, with eight minutes left.

Fajardo carried the fight for the Philippines, scoring 15 points despite foul trouble. It was not enough to make up for the listless performance from Andray Blatche, who finished with just eight points, fading after a strong start in the first period. —JST, GMA News