Gilas Pilipinas bows to Australia in Fiba World qualifiers

Gilas Pilipinas vs Australia. Photo from Fiba.com

The Philippines had its unbeaten run snapped after bowing to the undefeated Australians, 84-68, in the group stages of the Fiba World Cup Qualifiers Thursday.

The Filipinos, who put on a tough stand early before breaking down, dropped to second at 2-1 in Group B while Australia seized the top spot with a 3-0 record.

Gilas’ 30-25 advantage midway through the second quarter was its time to hold the lead as the Boomers went on a 12-2 run to cap off the first half and take a 37-32 lead heading into the break.

Australia continued its dominance up until the fourth quarter and took a 70-49 lead with Matthew Hodgson capping off a 16-1 run for the Boomers at the 8:19 mark of the period.

Gilas got hammered down in the post with Australia outrebounding the Filipinos 16-7 in the offensive glass and 50-30 in total.

Free throws were also a concern for the Philippines, who played sans injured star guard Jayson Castro, as it went 7-of-19 from the line while Australia went 25-of-32.

June Mar Fajardo, the only Filipino to finish in double figures, led Gilas with 15 points while Matthew Wright and Andray Blatche combined for 17 points.

Australia had four players finish in double digits with Cameron Gliddon leading the Boomers with 16 points while John Brandt had 13.

Mitchell Creek and Kevin Lisch rounded out the top scorers for Australia with 12 points apiece.

Up next for Gilas Pilipinas is Japan on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.