Photo by Niño Jesus Orbeta/INQUIRER
MANILA, Philippines — The losses keep piling up for the Philippines.
A day after bowing out of medal contention in men’s basketball, Gilas Pilipinas took a 71-78 defeat at the hands of China in the classification phase of the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.
Marcus Douthit had 24 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field that went with six rebounds and two blocks but his efforts weren’t enough as the Nationals, who have now lost four out of their last five games, will have to settle for at least 7th place if it beats Mongolia next game.
Qatar, which handed Gilas a stunning loss in the quarterfinals, won over Mongolia, 87-78, earlier and will meet China in a battle for fifth.
Ranidel de Ocampo added 14 points and five rebounds for the Filipinos, who came into the quadrennial meet eyeing the gold medal but will go home empty handed.
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Enough of the heartache, please