The Philippine national men’s basketball team showed its poise in the end-game to hold off a gritty Taiwan White squad, 93-82, and notch its second straight win in the 2017 William Jones Cup on Monday at Taipei Peace International Basketball Hall.
Matthew Wright led the way for Gilas Pilipinas with 21 points ignited by five three-pointers. RR Pogoy added 15 points, as Mike Myers had his best game of the tournament so far with 14 points and 14 boards.
Jio Jalalon also made 13 points, five rebounds and five assists to form a solid guard duo with Kiefer Ravena who registered 10 points and seven dimes.
A day after beating the Taiwan Blue senior national team, Gilas Pilipinas faced a tough challenge from the hosts’ developmental squad, needing a late-game run to pull away for good.
It was only in the third quarter when Gilas Pilipinas showed its might. After being tied at 44-all at the half, the squad scored nine unanswered points to seize a 53-44 edge.
But the Taiwanese didn’t back down as they kept within striking distance for the rest of the second half. Big shots by Ying-Chun Chen helped the hosts come within just one, 74-73, with 7:40 remaining in the game.
However, Wright and Jalalon conspired in a 9-2 run to give Gilas Pilipinas an 83-75 lead.
Pogoy then drained a dagger triple with 2:07 left to hand Gilas Pilipinas its biggest edge of the game, 88-77, and finally take the fight out of the Taiwanese.
Gilas Pilipinas will next clash with Japan on Tuesday afternoon.
