Gilas stays unbeaten in Asian Games 3×3 basketball

Gilas Pilipinas Men 3×3 at the Asian Games.–SBP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Gilas Pilipinas remained perfect in the 3×3 circuit and inched closer to a quarterfinal berth on Wednesday as the men’s squad carved out a 21-15 victory over Hong Kong in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

With the enemy breathing down their necks in the final two minutes of the contest, the Nationals got it together with a balanced attack to give themselves some breathing room, 18-12, heading into the dying moments of the clash at DQ Basketball Court.

Bismarck Lina and John Rey Pasaol both finished with seven points each, the most in the game, to help the Philippines move closer to a sweep of Pool A play.

Justine Sanchez added four points while John Bryan Sajonia three more in the effort that had Gilas notching its third-straight victory.

The Philippines will tackle Mongolia next, in a 4:20 p.m. match that could guarantee Gilas a seat in the final eight.