By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

GILAS PILIPINAS survived a spirited challenge by Japan on Sunday night to go and win, 89-84, and book its third win in the FIBA Asian World Cup Qualifiers.

Had it rough offensively early in its return match at the Mall of Asia Arena, the Philippine national men’s basketball team willed its way back and held on tight as the game progressed to get back on the winning track and fortify its place in Group B of the tournament.

Japan got off to a fiery start, outscoring the host team, 20-4, in the first half of the opening quarter.

Gilas though would recover as its auxiliaries started to come in and make a difference.

Kiefer Ravena jolted a rally that set the Philippines to a 12-0 run to come within four points, 20-16, with 2:49 to go.

A basket by center Atsuya Ota stopped the bleeding for the Japanese.

But Gilas would continue to chip away on the lead of Japan thereafter, down by just a point, 22-21, at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter it was Gilas’ turn to go on a torrid run, opening things with a 13-0 blast to build a 34-22 advantage in the first three minutes.

Gabe Norwood waxed hot from beyond the arc, hitting back-to-back to help the Philippines to its biggest lead of 15 points at that point, 41-26, with less than five minutes left on the clock.

But just when Japan seemed to be pinned on the ground it started to rise on the lead of naturalized player Ira Brown, going on a 9-0 run in the next two and a half minutes to come within six points, 41-35.

Troy Rosario gave more breathing space for Gilas with a basket, 43-35, only to see the Japanese continue with their charge back to within two points, 43-41.

A buzzer-beating three-pointer by Mr. Rosario to end the quarter gave the Philippines a 46-41 advantage by the halftime break.

The two teams opened the third canto by exchanging three-point baskets.

Gilas stayed on top as the period hit the halfway mark, holding a nine-point lead, 56-47.

A shoot fest ensued after that saw the protagonists fighting to a 72-61 count after the first 36 minutes of the match with the Philippines still ahead.

Led by Makoto Hiejima, Japan tried to make a rally, narrowing the gap to below double digits, 79-68, three minutes into the payoff quarter.

Andray Blatche and Japeth Aguilar though towered for Gilas, helping their team to a 12-point cushion, 83-71, with five minutes to go.

A 6-2 blast by Japan pushed it to eight points, 85-77, with 2:32 remaining on the clock, which was further extended to two points, 86-84, with 31 ticks left.

Jayson Castro then came to the rescue of Gilas as he converted a crucial basket off a drive to give the Philippines a four-point lead, 88-84, with 12 seconds on the clock.

A three-point attempt after by Japan failed to hit the mark with Mr. Blatche collaring the rebound and then was fouled.

The Gilas naturalized player split his free throws but it was enough to secure the win for the Philippines.

Mr. Blatche led Gilas with 18 points to go along with 16 rebounds and four assists.

Mr. Rosario had 14 while Mr. Ravena finished with 13 points and five dimes.

Messrs. Castro and Gabe Norwood and Calvin Abueva added eight apiece.

Japan, meanwhile, was led by Mr. Hiejima with 23 points while Mr. Brown had 16.

After two windows in the FIBA Asian World Cup Qualifiers, Australia continues to lead Group B with an unblemished record of 4-0, followed by the Philippines (3-1), Chinese Taipei (1-3) and Japan (0-4).

The third and final window for the first round of the qualifiers will be played in June and July this year.

In the Asian Qualifiers, 16 teams have been divided into four groups to determine the top seven teams joining World Cup host China as representatives of Asia/Oceania at the 32-field Basketball World Cup happening in August 2019.

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