MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas thwarted the valiant Japan, 73-66, to improve to 2-1 in the second round of the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship on Sunday, September 27 in Changsha, Hunan, China.
(READ: Previewing Gilas Pilipinas' opposition in FIBA Asia round two)
The Philippine national men's basketball team overcame only the first of 3 foes in Group E. They face reigning champion Iran next on Monday, September 28, followed by India the following day. (SEE: Gilas Pilipinas second round FIBA Asia schedule)
Gilas warded off the Japanese as naturalized big man Andray Blatche battled through an injured right ankle he sustained early in the second quarter, and went on to score the dagger with under a minute remaining for the much-needed cushion.
(READ: Facing Gilas Pilipinas – Japan)
Prior to that, Ranidel De Ocampo knocked down the go-ahead three-pointer with 2:17 remaining to shove Gilas ahead for good, while Calvin Abueva and Jayson Castro were steady from the free throw line to seal the win.
The top 4 teams from Group E will advance to the knockout quarterfinals round and will face the top 4 teams from Group F. (WATCH: Terrence Romeo's killer crossover, Calvin Abueva's throwdown vs Kuwait)
Go through all the action again with these highlights!
(WATCH: JC Intal with the steal and dunk vs Kuwait)
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