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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Gilas gives France hell before folding

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Not even the presence of the Philippine president can stop France's onslaught.

The French National team leaned on an efficient second half to turn back gritty host Gilas Pilipinas, 93-84, in Group B of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament Manila at the MOA Arena Tuesday night.

President Rodrigo Duterte makes the Ceremonial Toss.

European League Most Valuable Player Nando De Colo scored a game-high 27 points, while San Antonio Spurs' star Tony Parker added 21 as the one-two punch of France was too much to handle for the Philippines, which stayed in the game before folding in the stretch.

As a result, world no. 5 France is a step closer to entering the crossover semifinals this weekend.

Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte was in attendance and even had a ceremonial toss prior to the game.

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France outscored Smart Gilas Pilipinas, 32-23, in an explosive third quarter to grab a commanding 77-66 lead into the fourth.

Gilas never recovered.

The PH's Jayson Castro against France's Thomas Heurtel

Andray Blatche top-scored for the Philippines with his team-high 21 points, but only had seven in the last three periods after scoring 14 in the opening quarter, which saw the Filipinos zoom to a 30-22 advantage after a hot start.

Gilas Pilipinas wasn't able to sustain its early spurt as France settled down and even took the lead, 45-43, at the half.

Terrence Romeo had 19 points for Gilas Pilipinas.

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