Gilas suffers 10-point deficit, 37-27, at half time

MANILA, Philippines–Lapsing into a number of turnovers forced by the Greek defense, Gilas blew several chances to eat up on a 10-point deficit at the end of the first quarter. The Filipinos went into the halftime break down, 37-27.

Andray Blatche, playing with slight pain in his right leg, scored just six points and obviously struggled. Though he really gave it his all, it was clear that he was a tad slower than he was against Croatia in an 81-78 overtime loss on Saturday.

The Greek defensive wall was so tall and wide that the Filipinos were forced deep into their 24-second shot clock practically each time. And Gilas’ failure to control the boards in the first half didn’t give Team Philippines many chances on transition.