In a thrilling comeback victory, Gilas Pilipinas showcased their resilience and determination as they defeated Senegal, 75-63, in the Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament held in Guandong, China. The Filipino squad, led by AJ Edu and Kiefer Ravena, executed a remarkable fourth-quarter surge to secure the win and avenge their previous loss to Senegal.
The encounter at Heyuan Sport Gymnasium was a hard-fought battle, with both teams vying for supremacy on the court. Gilas Pilipinas had faced defeat at the hands of Senegal earlier in the tournament, a 72-64 loss that fueled their determination to turn the tables this time around.
Ray Parks Jr., who had shown flashes of brilliance throughout the buildup for the Fiba Basketball World Cup, came alive in the crucial final quarter. His explosive performance included clutch baskets, including a pivotal three-pointer, that ignited a game-changing 18-3 run for Gilas. This run not only erased a six-point deficit but also catapulted the Philippines to a commanding 65-56 lead.
The heroics of Parks were complemented by the precision shooting of Edu and Ravena, who sealed the victory with back-to-back three-pointers in the closing moments of the game. These pivotal shots effectively extinguished Senegal’s hopes of mounting a comeback, sealing Gilas Pilipinas’ triumph.
CJ Perez displayed his scoring prowess by contributing 14 points to the team’s victory, with 10 of those points coming in the first half. Meanwhile, the towering presence of the 6-foot-10 Edu continued to make a significant impact, as he added 13 points to his impressive tournament performance.
The victory propelled Gilas Pilipinas to a 2-1 record in the Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament, underscoring their commitment to priming themselves for the upcoming Fiba Basketball World Cup. The team’s unwavering resolve to improve and excel was evident throughout the game, with a collective effort that ultimately led to their triumph.
With this win, Gilas Pilipinas is set to face Iran in their final game of the tournament at the Xiaoqing Sport Center. The team’s upcoming matches against formidable opponents will serve as valuable opportunities to further fine-tune their strategies and strengthen their cohesion.
Moreover, Gilas Pilipinas is poised to regain full strength with the anticipated arrivals of key players. Jordan Clarkson is scheduled to join the team around August 8, while Kai Sotto is expected to join the preps shortly thereafter. These reinforcements are bound to provide an additional boost to the team’s capabilities as they continue to prepare for the global showcase.
Looking ahead, the Philippines has a challenging journey in the Fiba Basketball World Cup, where they are grouped with the Dominican Republic, Angola, and the world’s No. 10 team, Italy. The quadrennial event holds the promise of not only basketball glory but also a coveted slot in the Paris Olympic Games next year.