Towering China side deals Gilas 5.0 third straight loss in Fiba Asia Challenge Cup

Sep 12, 2016

Kevin Ferrer goes for a layup against China. Photo from Fiba.com

CHINA capitalized on its size advantage to down Gilas 5.0, 75-65, in the second round of the Fiba Asia Challenge in Tehran, Iran on Monday (Manila time).

Jinqiu Hu did most of the damage for the rejigged Chinese side, which put away Gilas for good with a 10-2 run in the opening minutes of the fourth period to open a 67-53 advantage.

With the 6-foot-11 Hu dominating inside, the Chinese pounced on the undersized Gilas and built a commanding 72-57 cushion with 2:30 remaining.

The Filipinos never recovered from there.

The 18-year-old Hu made his presence felt the entire way and finished with game-high 21 points and seven rebounds. His 13 points in the first half allowed the Chinese to take a 39-26 lead at halftime.

Gilas, though, refused to fold and sliced the deficit to five, 43-38, on Mac Belo's throw down late in the third period.

Belo continued to be the primary weapon of the Gilas side but his effort has not translated to a win so far for the Filipinos, who remained winless in three outings since the start of the continental meet.

The former Far Eastern University standout did almost everything for the new-look Gilas as he led the team with 16 points, seven rebounds, and two assists.

Roger Pogoy added 11 markers.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph

NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.