Gilas Pilipinas falls to Senegal in China pocket tournament

The Gilas Pilipinas national team could not make it two wins in a row as it faltered against world no. 37 Senegal, 72-64, in the 2023 Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament in China on Friday night.

Gilas now has a 1-1 win-loss card in the tournament serving as the nationals' final preparation for the 2023 FIBA World Cup later this month in the Philippines.

With Senegal holding a slim lead at the end of the third period, AJ Edu continued to flex his might as the young big man unleashed back-to-back baskets for Gilas to retake the advantage, 57-56.

Chris Newsome and June Mar Fajardo then sank two freebies each but they continued to trail Senegal, 63-61. The momentum suddenly swung to the opposing camp's side courtesy of a 7-0 run capped by a huge three-pointer, 70-61.

Fajardo was able to cut the deficit to seven, 70-63, after imposing his will on the paint. But the Philippines ran out of time to split their first two games at the pocket tournament.

Gilas will look to bounce back on August 6 against the same team.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News