Strong start, late rally not enough as Gilas yields to India

FIRST LOSS. Mac Belo sizzles but Gilas Pilipinas 5.0 drops 2016 FIBA Asia Challenge opener versus India. Photo from FIBA

MANILA, Philippines – Mac Belo's 21 points plus a strong start and a late rally proved insufficient as Gilas Pilipinas 5.0 fell short against India, 91-83, to open their 2016 FIBA Asia Challenge campaign on Friday, September 9 (Saturday, September 10 in Manila) in Tehran, Iran.

Last season's UAAP Finals MVP Belo led the scoring with a barrage of treys, firing 5-of-6 from beyond the arc, while collecting 5 rebounds, a steal, and a block. Ed Daquioag came off the bench for 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Russel Escoto and Mike Tolomia had 11 and 10 points, respectively.

This all-Filipino Gilas squad comprised of UAAP and NCAA standouts put up a serious fight against the much taller India, racing to a 12-2 start and maintaining the advantage until late in the second quarter, when the Indians first got a taste of the lead.

India built a double-digit edge in the second half until the Filipinos rallied to briefly take the lead, 75-74, on a CJ Perez jumper with 4:47 left to play. But India responded with a deciding 17-8 run to end the game and notch its first victory.

The Philippines continues in Group B action against Chinese-Taipei on Sunday, September 11.

The tournament will run from September 9 to 18, where the top 5 finishers will earn an additional berth for their respective sub-zones in the FIBA Asia Cup (formerly FIBA Asia Championship) next year. – Rappler.com