Gilas Pilipinas failed to advance to the semi-finals of the FIBA Olympic Qualifiers after losing to the Dominican Republic, 94-67, at the Alexandar Nikolic Hall in Belgrade, Serbia.
Both teams go neck-and-neck to start the first quarter but the Dominican Republic owns just a one-point lead heading to the second period thanks to Victor Liz, Gelvis Solano And Angel Nunes Castillo combining for 21 of the team’s 23 points.
The Philippines mounted a huge run 11-2 in the second quarter led by Will Navarro and Jordan Heading and led as much as eight points. The Dominican Republic tried to counter but Gilas Pilipinas held back the run owning a two-point edge to end the first half.
Liz and Solano along with Michael Torres Cuevas came in the third quarter firing on all angles as the Dominican Republic mounted a 14 point lead entering the final period.
Gilas Pilipinas failed to counter while the Dominican Republic pulls away with a 27-point blowout victory.
Liz led the Dominican Republic with 23 points while Sollano tallied 21 points while shooting six triples. Torres Cuevas finished theg ame with 20 points, six assists, five rebounds and five triples.
Heading was the best scorer for Gilas Pilipinas with 16 points. Kouame reached double-digit scoring with 10 points along with six rebounds while Kai Sotto did 8 points and four rebounds.
