Gilas Pilipinas fends off Iran to open China pocket tourney

Gilas Pilipinas used a robust second half to carry off fellow World Cup-bound Iran, 76-65, within the 2023 Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament in China on Thursday night time.

Gilas now has a 1-0 win-loss card whereas Iran went 0-1 because the nationals continued their buildup for the 2023 FIBA World Cup right here in Manila beginning August 25.

Enjoying a slim 40-34 benefit after the halftime, Gilas stepped on the pedal within the third interval with CJ Perez unleashing a private 7-0 run to shut out the body main by 13, 59-46.

Back-to-back and-one performs from Ray Parks Jr. and Calvin Oftana then despatched the Philippines to a 22-point cushion, 69-47.

But Iran ultimately caught up because it trimmed Gilas’ lead all the way down to 13, 69-56, earlier than Chris Newsome sank two freebies for a 74-61 benefit within the closing 1:22 minutes.

Promising high-flyer AJ Edu then sealed the win with a two-handed slam off an help from Newsome, 76-65, as Gilas accomplished the victory.

Gilas will return to motion straight away on Friday in opposition to Senegal.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News