Gilas bows to Dominican Republic in last tune-up before Fiba World Cup

MANILA, Philippines–Gilas Pilipinas put up a gallant stand before falling to Dominican Republic, 79-86, in its final tune-up game Tuesday morning (Manila time) in Guadalajara, Spain.

The Philippines hung tough and even briefly took a 68-67 edge after a 3-pointer by Jeff Chan past midway in the fourth quarter.

Unfortunately for the Nationals, Dominican Republic was able to respond and hold on for the hard-fought victory.

Gabe Norwood had 17 points while naturalized center Andray Blatche collected 16 points and six rebounds for Gilas.

The game marked the end of the Philippines’ string of exhibition matches for the coming Fiba World Cup in Seville, Spain.

James Feldeine shot 15 points for the Fiba Americas fourth placer which had four other players in double-digit scoring with Jack Martinez adding 14, Eloy Vargas chipping in 12 points and guard Victor Liz and Houston Rockets’ Francisco Garcia contributing 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Gilas opens its World Cup campaign against Croatia on Aug. 30. The Philippines wrapped up its World Cup buildup having lost six of its last seven exhibition matches with its lone win coming at the expense of Egypt, 74-65, on Monday.

Four of those six losses, though, went down-the-wire with Gilas getting outplayed in the end.