MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas is one win away from winning gold in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship and clinching a ticket to the 2016 Rio Olympics after they took down Japan, 81-70, in the semifinal round on Friday, October 2.
Andray Blatche finished with 22 points and 13 rebounds in the win, while The Best Point Guard in Asia, Jayson Castro - William in international play - recorded 20 points and 7 dimes.
(IN PHOTOS: Gilas takes down Japan, advances to FIBA Asia final)
Veteran Dondon Hontiveros, 38, hit two clutch 3-pointers late to seal the win, finishing with 18 points and 6 triples overall.
Watch highlights of the tightly-contested game below:
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Gilas will face hometown team China in the finals on Saturday, October 3, at 8:30 pm. The Chinese took down Iran to advance to the finals.
China’s last taste of FIBA Asia gold was in 2011, while Philippines’ was in 1985. – Rappler.com