Gilas Pilipinas sweeps Thailand in FIBA Asia Cup 2021 qualifiers

Gilas Pilipinas completed its sweep of Thailand in the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 qualifiers after a 93-69 victory on Monday in Manama, Bahrain.

Gilas waxed hot early in the game, making an 11-0 run before Thailand's Chatpol Chungyampin split his free throws off a Dwight Ramos foul at the 7:29 mark of the first period.

By the end of the first half, the young cadets had a 53-34 advantage after a 26-point rampage in the second quarter.

The Thais tried to cut their deficit in the third period, getting as close as 14 points, 64-50, after Chanatip Jakrawan sank his freebies with 1:55 left in the frame.

However, Gilas proved to have a steady hand and extended the lead at the end of the third period, 75-52. It was all Gilas from there, giving them their third win in the qualifiers.

In the post-game press conference, head coach Jong Uichico said he had to prepare his wards against becoming complacent.

"Since the lead we had in the first game was very big, we were concerned that they might take the game for granted," he said about Gilas. "We really harped on executing the offense and playing better defense. Thailand played a better game today than in the first game."

Javi Gomez de Liaño topped Gilas in scoring with 19 points while his brother Juan listed 14 markers.

With the win, the Philippines now has a 3-0 card in the qualifiers and currently sits at the top of Group A.

The next window of the continental qualifiers will be played in February 2021. The Philippines has offered to host the said window, following the model executed by the Philippine Basketball Association. 

Box score:

Philippines — Gomez de Liaño Ja. 19, Gomez de Liaño Ju. 14, Ramos 13, Nieto 12, Go 9, Oftana 9, Ildefonso 5, Paras 4, Suerte 4, Baltazar 2, Cariño 2, Tungcab 0.

Thailand — Jakrawan 34, Suttisin 13, Muangboon 9, Jaisanuk 8, Chungyampin 5, Ghogar 0, Klaewnarong 0, Lakhan 0, Langsui 0, Wongsawangtham 0.

—MGP, GMA News