The Philippine Gilas basketball team has sealed their third straight win as they beat the home court advantage Saud Arabia in the fifth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers
With the recent win, the Philippines has a 5 win and 3 losses standing in Group E of the prestigious and tough international basketball league.
Roger Pogoy’s fiery run which finished with 13 points led the Gilas team in the third quarter followed by Dwight Ramos and CJ Perez which took turns in the final frame as the Philippines sealed its win over Saudi Arabia. .
Ramos also scored 13 points at the end of the game. He also contributed 4 assists and 3 rebounds, on the other hand, Perez had a slow start but pitched critical 10 points and 4 rebounds to stir the momentum for the Gilas team after the Saudi team denied the PH team a runaway lead in the fourth quarter.
Gilas Coach Chot Reyas used the same team led by Kai Sotto and Scottie Thompson that knocked out the Jordanian team against Saudi Arabia to finish the fifth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers with a third straight win.
Gilas Pilipinas locks up Jordan in the second half en route to its first road win in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers
During the game, Pogoy’s three point play had put Gilas on a comfortable lead 50-36, but Saudi Arabia had a run and slashed the margin within 7 points at the start of the last quarter. Perez, put off the Saudi team run he hit a three-pointer and layup in succession for a 60-48 lead. .
Once again, Saudis persistence proved to be its strong asset as it cut the GIlas lead by a single digit with two minutes left at the fourth quarter, 61-69. Ramos eventually stirred the reign down the stretch and scored the last 4 points and sealed the 7-2 run in favor of Gilas.
Kai Sotto had 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 blocks, while Scottie Thompson poured 9 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals.
Final score was Philippines 76 and Saudi Arabia – 63. Scores per player: Philippines, Ramos 13, Pogoy 13, Sotto 11, Perez 10, Thompson 9, Parks 8, Aguilar 6, Kouame 5, Malonzo 1, Oftana 0, Erram 0, Quiambao 0.
Saudi Arabia 63 – Ma. Almarwani 19, Abdel Gabar 16, Mo. Almarwani 8, Kadi 6, Aljohar 5, Ashoor 4, Shubayli 2, Mohammed 2, Belal 1, Saleh 0, Almuwallad 0, Albargawi 0.
Scores by quarters: 16-16, 31-25, 55-45, 76-63.