MANILA, Philippines - Andray Blatche stunned France with an early wakeup call in their showdown with Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament on Tuesday, July 5.
Blatche, the Philippines' naturalized big man, kicked the game off by stealing a pass from France and returning it all the way to the other end with an emphatic dunk. The quick results must've been a kick for Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, who moments earlier performed the ceremonial toss between Blatche and France's Joffrey Lauvergne.
The game is currently ongoing at time of this story's publication.
The Philippines is grouped in Group B with France and New Zealand in the 6-team tournament at Mall of Asia Arena. The winner of the tournament will earn a spot in the basketball tournament at the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. – Rappler.com