MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Gilas Pilipinas claimed the silver medal at the 2015 William Jones Cup after a blowout 96-67 victory over Chinese Taipei B on Sunday, September 6 at the Xinchuang Gymnasium in Taiwan.
The Philippine national men's basketball team finished the tournament with a 6-2 record for second place right behind champion Iran with its 7-1 win-loss card.
Gilas dropped games to perennial rival South Korea and 2013 FIBA Asia Championship tormentor Iran.
(HIGHLIGHTS: Gilas Pilipinas vs Chinese Taipei B – 2015 Jones Cup)
It is the Philippines' first silver medal in the competition to add to their 4 golds and 3 bronze medals from previous years. The country won a gold during their last participation in 2012.
Gary David led the way with 22 points while Jayson Castro and Moala Tautuaa added 15 and 12 markers, respectively.
The nationals bucked a slow start versus Chinese Taipei B and finally took the lead for the first time with under a minute remaining in the opening period and proceeded with the blowout.
Calvin Abueva absorbed a hard foul late in the first quarter, hurting his lower back but he was iced and ready to go in the second half, according to Sport5's Carlo Pamintuan who is in Taiwan.
With the result all but assured in the second half, Gilas had the luxury of playing relaxed and having fun as they experimented with their offensive capabilities.
Jimmy Alapag, Terrence Romeo, Dondon Hontiveros, and Marc Pingris sat out the final game of the Jones Cup.
Gilas will return home to prepare for its final tilt before the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship later this month, the MVP Cup.
The MVP Cup, happening from September 11 to 13, will feature teams Gilas defeated in the Jones Cup, the Wellington Saints from New Zealand and the Taiwan national team. – Rappler.com