Gilas Pilipinas, China tune-up game ends in stalemate

Gilas Pilipinas wrapped up its bubble stint with a draw against China in their tune-up game at the Angeles University Foundation Gym in Pampanga Wednesday night.

The nationals settled for a 79-all draw with the visiting Chinese in a friendly exhibition that served as their last real action before competing in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belgrade, Serbia.

7-foot-3 teen prodigy Kai Sotto, who was a key piece in the Philippines' sweep of third window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, led the way for the Filipinos after he scored 13 points while naturalized big man Angelo Kouame and guard Jordan Heading chipped in 12 markers apiece.

Young gun RJ Abarrientos notched nine points while forwards Justine Baltazar and Will Navarro finished the night with eight each.

Gilas Pilipinas will leave for Belgrade today, June 24, where they will face host Serbia on June 30 and Dominican Republic on July 1 with the top two teams advancing to the playoffs on July 3.

Gilas head coach Tab Baldwin bared they will stick with the same pool they used in the previous Qualifiers with only 12 players making the cut for the FIBA OQT.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News