Gilas Pilipinas, after a 77-62 victory over Saudi Arabia at the Prince Hamzah Sports Hall in Amman, Jordan, entered the King Abdullah Cup win column on Tuesday night.
With Justine Baltazar leading the way offensively, the youthful Philippine team was able to break free.
The former Green Archer scored 16 points, hitting all five of his field goals, including four three-pointers. He also had three rebounds and four assists.
Ange Kouame had 10 points and six rebounds, and Isaac Go had 10 points and six rebounds for Gilas, who shot 41% from the floor.
Gilas took command at halftime, leading 43-30, with Baltazar proving unstoppable. With nearly seven minutes left, they led by as many as 20 points, 69-49, thanks to a Dwight Ramos basket.
With under five minutes to play, Saudi Arabia had come to within ten points, 69-59, but a booming three-pointer by Carl Tamayo restored a more comfortable lead for the Philippines, and Gilas cruised to victory.
This comes after Gilas absorbed a 73-60 defeat against Egypt.
In this match, Gilas struggled severely with their shooting and were unable to make up the difference. Gilas only made four of their 27 shots from beyond the arc, and they missed 19 of their 29 free throw attempts.
In the competition, the Philippines now has a 1-1 win-loss record.
Saudi Arabia, which is now 0-2 in the tournament, relied on Mohammed Alsuwailem, who led the team with 18 points on 8-for-9 shooting and five rebounds in the rout. Khalid M Abdel Gabar had 12 points, and Nassir Abo Jalas had 10.
Gilas returns to action against Jordan-B on Wednesday night. The game begins at 9 PM in Manila.
Aside from Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Gilas Pilipinas will face Tunisia and host Jordan.
The Scores:
Gilas Pilipinas 77 – Baltazar 16, Kouame 10, Go 10, Ildefonso 8, Ramos 7, Ravena 6, Heading 6, Tamayo 5, Navarro 3, Abarrientos 3, Chiu 2, Belangel 1, Suerte 0, Mi. Nieto 0.
Saudi Arabia 62 – Alsuwailem 18, Gabar 12, Jalas 10, Kadi 8, Shubayli 5, Ma. Almarwani 2, Mo. Almarwani 2, Albargawi 2, Alhosawe 2, Belal 1, Alsager 0, Althalabi 0, Brnawi 0.
Quarters: 19-14, 43-30, 65-49, 77-62.