Andray Blatche played for the Philippines team Gilas Pilipinas at the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship in China. (Photo : Facebook/Andray Blatche)
The Philippines men's basketball team, Smart Gilas Pilipinas, had another reality check on Saturday, as they suffered another blowout loss at the hands of Italy, 106-70, at Paladozza in Bologna, Italy.
Coming off a beatdown at the hands of Turkey last Wednesday, the Philippines couldn't buy a basket until June Mar Fajardo put the RP team on the board to make the score 22-2. Italy continued its all out assault on the visiting team to build a 40-7 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Led by Danilo Gallinari and Andrea Bargnani, the Azzuri were simply too much for the Philippines, who once again struggled to hit their shot from beyond the arc.
Andray Blatche, the Philippines' best weapon, had to sit out most of the second half after committing two personal fouls early in the game.
And although the Philippines much better in the second half, Italy's lead was just too huge for Gilas Pilipinas to overcome. Blatche led the team with 22 points, while Troy Rosario and Terrence Romeo chipped in 10 points each.
Gallinari scored 20 points while Belinelli added 11 for Italy, who will now face Canada in the final of the pocket tournament. Meanwhile, the Philippines will have to settle with a rematch with China on Monday, 2:00 a.m, Phil time.
Canada, who is bracketed with Turkey and Senegal in Group B of FIBA Olympic qualifier Manila Leg, dominated China from tip-off through the final buzzer, 95-69. Brady Heslip tallied 33 points, while Yi Jilian had 22 markers for China.
Photos of the match are posted below courtesy of Sportando and Luka Machesini:
