Gilas Pilipinas bounces back with win over Saudi Arabia in King Abdullah Cup

Gilas Pilipinas bounced back from a loss as they defeated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 77-62,  in the King Abdullah Cup Tuesday night at the Prince Hamzah Sport Hall in Amman, Jordan.

The win helped the nationals recover from their opening day 73-60 beating at the hands of Egypt last Monday.

Justine Baltazar led the Filipinos with 16 points, on a perfect 5-for-5 from the field and 4-for-4 from three-point range, to go with three rebounds and four assists as the Philippines barged into the win column at 1-1.

Big man Angelo Kouame was on target as usual as he poured in 10 points, grabbed six rebounds and blocked two shots in only 21 minutes of play.

Team captain Isaac Go contributed 10 markers as well while the returning Dave Ildefonso had eight.

The Philippines led by as many as 20 points and exploded for 24 points in the second quarter alone to establish a 43-30 halftime lead.

They continued to ride their momentum in the second half as Dwight Ramos banked a layup to settle their biggest lead at 69-49. The opposing camp was able to cut the deficit but not enough to deal the Filipinos a second defeat in the pocket tournament.

KSA was led by Mohammed Alsuwailem, who carved out team-high 18 points, five rebounds, and an assist while Khalid M Abdel Gabar chipped in 12.

The scores:

PHILIPPINES 77 -- Baltazar 16, Kouame 10, Go 10, Ildefonso 8, Ramos 7, Ravena 6, Heading 6, Tamayo 5, Navarro 3, Abarrientos 3, Chiu 2, Belangel 1, Suerte 0, Mi. Nieto 0.

SAUDI ARABIA 62 -- Alsuwailem 18, Gabar 12, Jalas 10, Kadi 8, Shubayli 5, Ma. Almarwani 2, Mo. Almarwani 2, Albargawi 2, Alhosawe 2, Belal 1, Alsager 0, Althalabi 0, Brnawi 0.

Quarterscores: 19-14, 43-30, 65-49, 77-62.

—Bea Micaller/JMB GMA News