GILAS Pilipinas fell prey to a game-changing run by Senegal in the fourth quarter and lost, 72-64, in the Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament on Friday night in Guandong, China.
The African team unloaded a 15-4 blast to finally take control for good, 70-61 entering the final two minutes.
READ: Gilas gets lift from new boys in opening win over Iran
Before the telling run, Gilas led, 57-56, after back-to-back baskets by AJ Edu.
Senegal has now won two in a row in the pocket tournament while dealing the Philippines its first loss in two outings. Both teams beat a team from Iran in their opening game.
Previously, Gilas beat Senegal in overtime, 81-79, in the group stage of the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Seville, Spain.
The national team was led by big man June Mar Fajardo with 14 points, while Dwight Ramos submitted double digits in scoring for the second straight game with 11 points, the same output for CJ Perez.
The Filipinos will take a break on Saturday before resuming their campaign on Sunday in a rematch against Senegal. Gilas faces Iran anew the next day.
Senegal, which did not qualify for the FIBA World Cup but is preparing for the FIBA Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament, led by a slim 35-34 margin at halftime on a completed three-point play just before the buzzer.
Like in their game against Iran, the Filipinos had another flat start, but settled down in the second quarter behind a pressing defense that led to five steals and forced seven turnovers against Senegal.
They went on to outscore the opposition, 15-10, to take a 34-32 lead highlighted by a Jamie Malonzo two-handed dunk off an Edu assist and a soft corner jumper by Ramos.
Gilas enjoyed its biggest lead at 45-40 in the third period, but Senegal countered with a 10-0 blast to regain the upperhand, 50-45, capped by two three pointers.
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