Gilas bows to Congo in Malaga pocket tournament

Gilas Pilipinas lost to Congo, 82-71, last Saturday in their opening match in the Torneo Malaga Desano Mundial 2019 in Malaga, Spain.

The Gilas squad was unable to repeat their win over their opponent during a tune-up game in Guadalajara, Spain to start off their campaign in the pocket tournament with a defeat.

Robert Bolick had a monster performance after scoring 21 points and grabbing 6 rebounds for Gilas Pilipinas. Andray Blatche had 15 points and CJ Perez collected 11 points for the national squad.

Gilas led early, 29-20, before momentum shifted on the side of Congo after Japeth Aguilar was called for his second foul early in the second period.

The Philippine team also struggled from threes, hitting only 8 of their 26 shots.

The absence of Gabe Norwood due to an injury was also felt as the team couldn’t collect a lot of offensive rebounds in the match. Congo had more rebounds, 41-35, and had more inside points, 40-30.

Gilas also failed to protect possessions after committing 18 turnovers. Fatigue also played a factor in the match after the team only had nine men.

After the game, Gilas coach Yeng Guiao reminded the players to fast track their development as well as work on their outside shooting.

Gilas Men will next face Ivory Coast in the pocket tournament.

PHOTO: SBP Facebook page