The new-look Gilas Pilipinas squad, exuding with the exuberance of the youth, got off to a good start in the FIBA Asia Qualifiers, drubbing Indonesia, 100-70, at the Britama Arena in Jakarta Sunday night.
From a three-point lead midway through the third period, the Nationals ramped up and broke away en route to the 30-point victory in an auspicious debut in Group A play of the 24-team qualifying event.
The next window is on November when Team Phl plays South Korea and Thailand. Still uncertain is when will the postponed Gilas-Thai game will be played.
The Indonesians are off to a 0-2 start, dropping back-to-back home games to South Korea and the Philippines.
Like in their game against the Koreans, the Indonesians put up a tough stand in the early goings, even staying close with the Filipinos through the first 25 minutes of play.
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But there's no stopping Gilas when Thirdy Ravena, RR Pogoy, Kiefer Ravena and CJ Perez shifted into higher gear.
Thirdy top scored with 23 points and added eight rebounds and three assists in 23 minutes of action.
Pogoy strung up five three-pointers and finished with 16 markers on top of six boards, two assists and one steal while Perez and Kiefer chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Gilas neophyte Juan Gomez De Liano was a fifth player to hit double figures with 10 points on 4-of-6 field goals plus one charity.
The home squad kept it close early on largely behind the hot guns of guards Andakara Prastawa and Abraham Grahita who wound up with 28 and 17 points, respectively.
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The Indonesians, however, just couldn't keep up as the Filipinos stepped up, opening a first lead of over 20 points at 74-53 on a 7-0 start in the payoff frame.
Kiefer drained a booming trey then Perez scored on a breakaway jam to highlight their searing breakaway. (SB)
