Gilas Pilipinas wraps first round of World Cup qualifiers with rout of India

Gilas Pilipinas asserted mastery over India as it wrapped the first round of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, 79-63, on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

After suffering a 46-point loss against New Zealand on Thursday, the national team had a better showing in their final game in the window.

The team relied on a strong first half, making 21 and 24 points in the first two quarters while limiting India to less than 15 points in both periods.

After leading 45-24 at the half, Gilas waxed hot from beyond the arc as it drilled three treys in the third quarter alone. Gilas also had its biggest lead in the frame, 65-41.

India attempted a comeback in the fourth frame as it outscored the Philippines, 19-14, but failed to close the gap.

Dwight Ramos stood out in the game with 21 points, while Geo Chiu registered 11 rebounds on top of five points to bring Gilas to 2-2 at the end of the first round. Kiefer Ravena tallied 12 points, 10 of which came from the third quarter. Will Navarro had 11 points.

Muin Bek Hafeez led India with 13 points, while Sahaij Pratap Singh Sekhon and Arvind Kumar Muthu Krishnan had 12 points each.

In the previous window, the Philippines dismantled India, 88-64.

Despite a 0-4 record, India will also move forward to the second round, along with the Philippines and New Zealand, as South Korea was disqualified. The three countries will join Group C teams Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan to form Group E.

The Philippines is already assured of a spot in the upcoming edition of the World Cup as it will host the tournament, along with Japan and Indonesia.

—MGP, GMA News