MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine national men’s basketball team Gilas Pilipinas won silver after China emerged victorious, 78-67 in the FIBA Asia Championship match on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at the College of Social Work Dayun in Changsha, China.
China bagged the gold medal and has secured spot at the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil. They became undefeated throughout the tournament.
The finals match between Philippines and China was tight because China has 4 legit 7-footers against Philippines’ front court muscles: 6’11 Andray Blatche and 6’10 - 42 years old Asi Taulava.
Gilas Pilipinas' star guard Jayson Castro was included to the Mythical Team for the second straight time after also earning the accolade in the 2013 edition of the tournament held in Manila.
Joining Castro are Iran’s Samad Nikkhah Bahrami and three Chinese players in Guo Ailun, Zhou Qi and Yi Jianlian who was hailed as the tournament MVP.
China erects biggest lead in the third quarter with 16, 60-44.
Andray Blatche gave the firepower anew for Gilas Pilipinas, 17 points and 5 boards but not enough to win the title.
Jayson Castro also had a hard time on the offensive end, finishing with eight points while only shooting three out of 14 baskets from the field.
Gilas Pilipinas still have a chance to get one via another FIBA Olympic Qualifier. This time, it will be tougher than the Asian version. Runners-up from FIBA Americas, Africa and Europe will be trying their luck for 2 more tickets to Rio 2016, the likes of: Argentina, Canada, Mexico, Lithuania, Serbia, Czech Republic, Angola, Tunisia and Senegal which all have NBA veterans playing for their flag.
In 2013, Gilas Pilipinas lost at home in the title game to Iran. The Philippines maintained their status as one of the powers of Asian basketball, making it to the Final for the second straight time.
China bagged the gold medal and has secured spot at the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil. They became undefeated throughout the tournament.
The finals match between Philippines and China was tight because China has 4 legit 7-footers against Philippines’ front court muscles: 6’11 Andray Blatche and 6’10 - 42 years old Asi Taulava.
Gilas Pilipinas' star guard Jayson Castro was included to the Mythical Team for the second straight time after also earning the accolade in the 2013 edition of the tournament held in Manila.
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| Jayson Castro maintains title as one of the best players in Asia | Photo Credit: FIBA |
China erects biggest lead in the third quarter with 16, 60-44.
Andray Blatche gave the firepower anew for Gilas Pilipinas, 17 points and 5 boards but not enough to win the title.
Jayson Castro also had a hard time on the offensive end, finishing with eight points while only shooting three out of 14 baskets from the field.
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| China's Yi Jianlian and Gilas big man Andray Blatche | Photo Credit: FIBA |
In 2013, Gilas Pilipinas lost at home in the title game to Iran. The Philippines maintained their status as one of the powers of Asian basketball, making it to the Final for the second straight time.
