The Gilas Pilipinas fell to Egypt, 58-73, at the start of the 10th King Abdullah Cup at the Prince Hamzah Sport Hall in Amman, Jordan.
In what was the Gilas’ first game since their stint in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Serbia earlier this month, the national team played catch-up all game long but managed to pull to within six, 58-64, with less than three minutes to go in the match.
However, Egypt did not fold as they answered with eight straight points to bring their lead back to 14, 72-58, and seal the victory.
Naturalized player Ange Kouame led the Gilas with 13 points and 11 rebounds while big man Isaac Go added 13 markers. Dwight Ramos, who didn’t see action in the OQT because of an injured groin, had nine points, five rebounds, four assists, and a block, while Thirdy Ravena, back with the team after his stint in the B.League in Japan, added eight points and eight boards.
The Gilas, though, could not find the mark from beyond the arc as they made just four of their 27 attempts for a miserable 14% shooting clip.
The Gilas will try to bounce back when they tangle with Saudi Arabia on Wednesday at 6 p.m. (JNP)