Philippines drubs Thailand in FIBA Asia Cup Qualifying

Juan Gomez de Liano sparked the burst that allowed Gilas to run away with this one. (Photo c/o FIBA)

Still undefeated in FIBA Asia Cup qualifying.

The Philippines drubbed Thailand in their first of two matches against each other late Friday, 93-61, at the Khalifa Sports City in Manama, Bahrain.

A 27-1 run that spanned almost seven minutes in the second quarter doomed the Thais against Gilas Pilipinas, as they had no answer to the Filipino onslaught.

A Juan Gomez de Liano triple with 6:40 remaining in the period broke a 26-all deadlock, with their team defense, it took the Thais seven minutes to finally convert a field goal, which they did with four seconds remaining in the quarter, with the Filipinos already establishing a 53-29 halftime lead.

Gilas then cruised for the final twenty minutes for the impressive 32-point blowout.

Dwight Ramos led all scorers with a flawless performance, netting twenty points on 7/7 shooting. Set to make his debut with the Ateneo de Manila University this coming UAAP Season 83, he also added seven rebounds, three assists, and three steals in just under twenty minutes of action. 

Thailand did have their moments in the first quarter, as Nakorn Jaisanuk kept the team afloat early on with his outside shooting. He would finish with twelve points off four triples. Montien Wongsawangtham led the all-pro unit with seventeen points.

This game was rescheduled from the previous FIBA window earlier this year, in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Philippines and Thailand will face off once again on Monday, November 30 to complete the Group A window in the Manama bubble. Before this, the Thais will face Indonesia on Saturday night, both teams seeking their first win in the group.