Gilas Pilipinas’ Dwight Ramos during the match against India. FIBA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Gilas Pilipinas opened its campaign by dominating India, 88-64, in the group stage of the 2023 Fiba Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Philippines joined New Zealand atop Group A with 1-0 records while India absorbed its second straight defeat and dropped to 0-2.
Taking a methodical approach, the Philippines slowly built its lead in the third quarter eventually taking a 68-47 lead heading into the fourth after Thirdy Ravena found Kib Montalbo for a three-pointer to cap off a 17-6 run.
Ramos & Ravena combined for 32 to help Gilas Pilipinas get past India!#FIBAWC | #WinForPilipinas | @officialSBPinc 🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/xd4seGXnv5
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) February 25, 2022
Dwight Ramos had 17 points and four rebounds to lead the Filipinos while Ravena added 15 points.
Roger Pogoy and Robert Bolick also finished in double digits with 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Sahaij Pratap Singh Sekhon led the Young Cagers with 14 points while Prashant Singh Rawat added 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Gilas Pilipinas will next play New Zealand on Sunday at 7 pm.