ADELAIDE 36ers made sure it returns to Australia with a payback win against Gilas Pilipinas.
The four-time National Basketball League (NBL) champion raced to an early lead before enduring a huge fourth quarter comeback by the Filipinos and hang on for n 85-75 win Sunday night at the conclusion of their two-game friendlies at the Meralco gym.
Daniel Johnson finished with 16 points to lead five others in double figures for the 36ers, who led by as many as 21 points early in the third quarter.
Andray Blatche led the Gilas Pilipinas charge also with 16 points, including four straight points late in the fourth that shoved the home team to within 73-80.
But Daniel Dillon hit a big three-pointer to douse off the spirited rally by the Filipinos.
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Despite the loss that split their two tune-up matches, coach Yeng Guiao was very pleased with how the team charged back from that huge second half deficit.
"I'm very happy with the effort of the guys. I can see that anyone you put in, put in the effort. That's all I'm asking of them," said Guiao following the game.
The Filipinos beat the 36ers in their first tune-up Friday night, 92-83.
Kiefer Ravena, playing in his first game back following an 18-month suspension handed by FIBA, hit 11 points to finish as the only other Gilas player in double figures. The sophomore guard scored seven straight points when he was first came in middle of the second period.
"I'm happy. I'm satisfied. I'm impressed actually," said Guiao of Ravena. "It's his first game, but its already impressive."
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Mark Barroca and CJ Perez each had eight points for Gilas Pilipinas, which leaves on Thursday for Foshan, China for the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
The scores
Adelaide 36ers (85) - Johnson 16, Griffin 15, McVeigh 12, Taylor 10, Teys 10, Moore 7, Dillon 7, Kyei 5, Froling 3, White 0, Aye 0, Dmic 0.
Gilas Pilipinas (75) - Blatche 16, Ravena 11, Barroca 8, Perez 8, Fajardo 7, Bolick 6, Almazan 6, Pogoy 5, Norwood 4, Lee 2, Aguilar 2, Rosario 0.
Quarterscores: 29-13; 44-30; 67-48; 85-75.
