Jul 30, 2021

Kouame comes big in Gilas OT win over Tunisia

ANGE Kouame delivered clutch plays down the stretch to help lift Gilas Pilipinas past Tunisia in overtime, 74-73, in the King Abdullah Cup early Friday at the Prince Hamzah Hall in Amman, Jordan.

The Gilas naturalized player led the Filipinos on both ends of the floor with 12 points and five block shots, the last of which preserved the thrilling victory for the team following a hard-fought battle.

Kouame shot 6-of-11 from the field, had five rebounds and five assists, including the feed off to Thirdy Ravena that led to the free throw in the final nine seconds to give Gilas a one-point lead.

Achref Gannouni tried to turn the game around for Tunisia, the 2017 FIBA Africa champion, but whose game-winning attempt was foiled by the 6-foot-11 Kouame.

With its win over Jordan's Team B not counted in the standings, Gilas raised its record to 2-1 for a tie with Jordan's Team A going to their showdown late Friday in a battle for the no. 2 seed in the tournament.

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Egypt, which earlier beat Gilas, 73-60, is currently on top of the five-nation meet with a perfect 3-0 slate, and will meet Tunisia (1-2) for its final game.

Dwight Ramos also finished in double figures with 11 points, while SJ Belangel added 10 for the Filipinos, who battled their way back from an eight-point fourth quarter deficit to tie the count at 66 on a three-pointer by special draftee Rey Suerte with 33 seconds left in regulation.

Gilas even led at 73-69 but failed to finish off its opponent as Ahmed Addami scored with 14 seconds left to tie the game and send it to overtime.

Isaac Go finished with eight points, and Ravena along with Matt Nieto with seven each for the Filipinos, who were held to a 10-of-33 shooting from beyond the arc.

Oussama Marnaoui finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, and five assists to show the way for Tunisia. (RG)

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