THE Gilas Pilipinas started its campaign in the 19th Asian Games with a bang, crushing Bahrain, 89-61, in the men’s basketball tournament on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023 at the Hangzhou Olympic Center in Hangzhou, China.
Up by just four after the opening 10 minutes of action, the Gilas poured it on in the second, outscoring their opponents 29-15, to erect a 51-33 advantage. The team of new head coach Tim Cone continued to pour it on in the second half to come up with the dominant victory.
CJ Perez led the Gilas in scoring with 15 points, while Ange Kouame put up 15 points and seven rebounds in his return to the national squad. Justin Brownlee also returned his Gilas return by tallying a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Calvin Oftana also chipped in 10 points, three boards and three assists.
Up next for the Gilas will be Thailand on Thursday at 11 a.m. / JNP