As expected the game was intense as both teams fight for the elusive FIBA Asia 2015 crown in Changsha, China. Gilas Pilipinas opened the first quarter and displayed full of energy as they draw a score 0 – 5 which came from Jayson Castro William and a three-pointer shot of Dondon Hontiveros.

FIBA

The last time team Philippines controlled the game was in the first quarter when they have the lead 10 – 15 then the giants of China took over the game both defensively and offensively. Just like the game against Japan, Gilas Pilipinas committed lots of foul that made the team in penalty situation early in the quarter and the host city took the advantage. Team China shoot 33 attempts and converted 21 from the free-throw line while Gilas Pilipinas shoot 26 and made 15. Final score of the game was 78 – 67.

Andray Blatche the only player from Gilas Pilipinas who scored in double figures with 17 points while Jayson Castro William and Terrence Romeo got 17 points in a combined effort. Team China was led by one of their towers and new superstar Zhou Qi. The 19-years old logged 16 points and grabbed 14 rebounds and as per draftexpress 2016 NBA mock draft, the 7’2″ chinese player is projected to be picked as number 13.

With the defeat, we lose the automatic qualification to men’s basketball for 2016 Rio Olympics but not all hope is lost as our Gilas Pilipinas is still qualified for the 2016 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying which is set on July 5 – 11, 2016.