Gilas holds off India to start Asiad

Gilas Pilipinas. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas got off to a good start albeit a few scares in the end game holding off India, 85-76, to get their campaign at the Incheon Asian Games going on Tuesday afternoon (Manila time).

Holding a 19-point lead, 84-65, with less than five minutes remaining, Gilas, which is the 31st-ranked team of Fiba, virtually had a comfortable lock for the victory until India went on a blistering 11-0 run with 36 seconds left.

Amjyot Singh capped off the run for the 61st-ranked with a three-pointer which prompted Gilas head coach Chot Reyes to call for time.

Gilas went on a torrential downpour at the get-go mounting a 16-0 lead with three-point aficionado Jeff Chan nailing a long one to start the first period.

Continuing the assault before the end of the half, returning import Marcus Douthit scored back-to-back baskets, a two-hand jam off a pass from Ranidel de Ocampo and a tip-in off a Chan miss, to put the boards at 62-44.

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