MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas struggled early on but managed to execute towards the end to ward off a tough Japan side, 73-66, in the second round of the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship on Sunday, September 27 in Changsha, Hunan, China.
Naturalized big man Andray Blatche overcame a right ankle injury he sustained early in the second quarter and went on to provide the dagger basket for the Philippines to keep Japan safely away inside the final minute.
Blatche finished with a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds as the Philippine national men's basketball team hiked its second round record to 2-1, good for second place in Group E behind the still unbeaten Iran.
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The Filipinos are set for a rematch of the finals from two years ago with reigning champion Iran on Monday, September 28. A win can assure the Philippines of a quarterfinals spot.
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– Rappler.com