Gilas Pilipinas escapes Thailand for second win in Asian Games 2023

Gilas Pilipinas escaped Thailand, 87-72, on Thursday to notch their second win in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

After trailing 68-50 at the end of the third period, the Thais made a 13-0 run to open the final frame and cut their deficit to a single digit, 63-68. It took around four minutes before the Philippines broke the scoring dry spell with a basket from Ange Kouame.

The nationals regained control of the game before eventually getting the victory.

Justin Brownlee, who has been hurting his leg during the match, posted 22 points, while CJ Perez had 16 points for the victory which was welcomed by head coach Tim Cone.

“We’re not here to try and win by 50 and impress everybody. No, we’re a team that came together quickly and our expectations are to win each game by one point. That’s it. If we win a game by one point, that’s all we care about," Cone said in a release by the Philippine Sports Commission. “And it felt like a one-point win today.”

Tyler Lamb had 29 points while Frederick Lish had 22 points for the Thais.

Gilas previously dominated Bahrain, 89-61, in their campaign opener. They will next face Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and the Jordan squad on Saturday.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News