Photo from Fiba.com
Misfiring early on, Gilas Pilipinas turned to its defense to hammer Indonesia, 100-70, and open its Fiba Asia Cup 2021 qualifiers on a smashing note on Sunday night at Britama Arena in Jakarta.
Thirdy Ravena scored 23 points, had eight rebounds and a pair of blocks—all team-highs—as he spearheaded the Nationals in a third quarter breakaway as Gilas won with plenty to spare despite coming into this window with five amateurs and without the top big men in the professional PBA.
Roger Pogoy had 16 points, while CJ Perez contributed 11. Kiefer Ravena and Juan Gomez de Liaño scored 10 each in the victory that kept the Philippines within striking distance of Group A leader South Korea.
Andakara Dhyaksa had 28 to lead the hosts, while Abraham Grahita, who was earlier suspended by the Indonesia Basketball Association, chipped in 17 more in the loss.
Thirdy Ravena, one of those amateurs, drilled three of his four attempts from three-point distance as the Philippines dealt the Indonesians another 30-point beating following their loss to the Koreans.
Gilas was supposed to host Thailand last Feb. 20 at the fabled Big Dome, but the match was canceled due to the coronavirus threat.
Fiba has yet to announce a new date for the contest.
Next up for the Nationals are the Koreans, whom they visit in November.
Meanwhile, the team will likely hold once-a-week training while it waits for the new schedule of its shelved match against Thailand.
“It would depend a lot on what Fiba says,” coach Mark Dickel said. INQ