The Philippines, undersized, underrated, and thriving despite a short-term program, indeed showed its giant heart all throughout the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship but it was not enough to pump out its lifeblood against the methodical, systematic, and deep Chinese team.
The Chinese men’s basketball team returned from a slump in FIBA Asia beating Gilas Pilipinas, 78-67, Saturday in Changsha.
With the win, China booked the lone Asian ticket for the 2016 Rio Olympics and hoisted championship number 16 after being at fifth place in the 2013 edition.
Maximizing its 6’8” ceiling against the shorter Filipinos, China slowed down the tempo, clogged the shaded lane defensively, and converted crucial triples to stymie Gilas’ charge.
Teenage center Zhou Qi and veteran Yi Jianlan, both seven footers, led the way for China, with the former having 16 points and 14 rebounds and the latter posting 11 points and 15 rebounds.
But it was spitfires Guo Ailun and Li Gen who played firemen roles, dousing cold water against Gilas with their three-point shooting.
It was a good start though by the Filipinos, opening up a 15-10 lead through quick shots from Jayson Castro William and Gabe Norwood but a series of momentum-breaking calls by the referees unnerved the Philippines, as the 7’2” Zhou converted five free throws for a 23-19 lead after the opening period.
China then erected double digit leads in the second quarter, drawing nine fouls from the Philippines as Guo and Zhou Peng went to work offensively as Zhou Qi was still effective underneath, scoring free throws and putbacks for a 46-35 lead.
Everything went downhill for the Philippines after trimming the lead, 42-49, after head coach Tab Baldwin was assessed a technical foul—his first in the tournament.
Li, a seldom-used role player, swished back-to-back spot triples for a 60-44 lead thereafter. Those shots, coming off zone breaks, proved to be the turning point of the match as the Philippines never recovered from that hole.
Andray Blatche was the only bright spot for Gilas with 17 points and 10 rebounds while newbies Calvin Abueva and Terrence Romeo added nine points apiece.
All is not lost though for the Philippines as, being silver medallists for the second time in the tournament, will join 18 other national teams in the July 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for the three Olympic Wildcard entries.
The 18 teams will be divided to three groups comprised of six squads in a single round robin tournament, with the top squad of each group getting in the Olympics.
Bronze medalist Iran and fourth place Japan will join the Philippines in the wildcard tournament.
Photo from FIBA.com
