WATCH: Heartbreak as Gilas falls to China in FIBA Asia final

The Philippines fell just short of its gold medal goal with a hard-fought loss against China

Rappler.com

Published 12:13 AM, October 04, 2015

Updated 12:15 AM, October 04, 2015

Yi Jianlian takes the ball to the rim against Philippines' Andray Blatche. The two men were once teammates on the Washington Wizards. Photo from FIBA

MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas’ aspirations for a gold medal in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship came to an end when they lost to China, 78-67, on Saturday, October 3.

Due to the Chinese’ impressive defense, cold shooting from Gilas, and questionable calls by the game officials, the Philippine team fell behind in the second quarter and didn’t recover the rest of the way.

(READ: Clarkson promises 'road to redemption' with Gilas in 2016)

Andray Blatche led Gilas with 17 points and 5 boards while Jayson Castro, who was once again named to the tournament Mythical 5, was limited to just 8 points.

Terrence Romeo accounted for 9 points. – Rappler.com