Jones Cup: Gilas routs Japan, 75-60
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Gilas Pilipinas pulled away early in the fourth quarter to rout Japan, 75-60, in the 37th William Jones Cup on Wednesday (September 2) at the Xinzhuang Stadium in Taipei.
After a tight first three quarters, Gilas fired at will from the three-point area and clamped down on defense to break free in the payoff period.
During that stretch, newcomer Moala Tautuaa scored back-to-back throwdowns followed by five three-pointers from veterans Jayson Castro, Gary David, Ranidel de Ocampo, and Gabe Norwood to bury Japan for good.
Rising star Terrence Romeo led Gilas anew with 16 points. Castro, De Ocampo, and Tautuaa added 10 apiece.
The Filipinos, who led by as much as 17 points during the spirited surge, now hold a 3-1 win-loss card with the win, improving their chances of topping the tourney they ruled in 2012.
A hurdle on their road to the championship, however, is Iran, which is currently atop the leaderboards with a 4-1 record. Gilas is tied with Chinese Taipei (Blue) and Russia at No. 2.
The Philippines will face Iran, which is coming off a blowout loss to Team USA which are spearheaded by former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) imports (September 3) at 1 p.m.- CNN
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