Gilas drops to 0-3 after losing to China

Fiba.com

Gilas Pilipinas remained winless after falling to unbeaten China, 75-65, in the 2016 Fiba Asia Challenge Monday (Manila time) in Tehran, Iran.

The Philippines stayed within reach for three quarters until China asserted its size to overpower the much smaller Filipinos down low.

Apart from establishing their inside game, the Chinese also got their outside shooting flowing in the final frame, where they led by as much as 15, 75-60, on a 3-pointer by Fang Shuo with 1:58 left.

With the loss, Gilas dropped to 0-3 with its first two defeats coming at the hands of India and Chinese Taipei.

READ: Young Gilas bows to India in Fiba Asia Challenge

Former Far Eastern University star Mac Belo led the Philippines in scoring for the third consecutive game with 16 points on top of even rebounds. RR Pogoy, also out of FEU, added 11 on 14 shots.

READ: Taipei sends Gilas to 0-2 start

Hu Jinqiu, 18, powered China with 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the field whie 6-foot-10 Zou Yuchen nearly had a double-double with nine points, 13 rebounds and two blocks. The Chinese upped their record to 3-0.

The Nationals take on Kazakhstan next on Tuesday.