Every member of the audience in the CWSC Dayun Arena in Changsha got their money’s worth with the second semi-final of the FIBA Asia Basketball Championships 2015. Philippines pulled off a big win with a surge in the fourth quarter, after things were neck-and-neck in the previous three. With the victory, Gilas will face hosts China for the gold medal tomorrow.
Gilas’ big man Andray Blatche won the jump ball and after a missed shot by Jayson William, made 5 quick points. Japan’s Takeuchi was on a roll as he scored all of his team’s points. Blatche would lead the scoring in the 1st quarter, helped by Romeo and Abueva. Japan would end the quarter slightly ahead, with the scoreboard reading JAP 17-16 PHI.
The second quarter saw Japan taking a big lead, but Philippines soon caught up. Japan would nose ahead once again but the dynamo of the Gilas, Blatche, would return thins to an even keel. The second quarter ended with scores level at 39 all.
The importance of the match would be exemplified in the third quarter by both sides, with neither willing to give up an advantage. They kept abreast of each other, with Takeuchi and Tabuse driving their team and William and Abueva responding in kind for the Gilas. For the second consecutive time, the scores were level at 54-54 at the end of the quarter.
The Gilas looked invigorated in the fourth, as they took an early lead, thanks to Jayson William and Hontiveros. Furious gameplay from the Japanese ensued, but De Ocampo’s 3 free throws and Hontiveros’ points would grant the Gilas an unassailable lead. Both of them would add to it, with Andray Blatche striking the final nail in the coffin. The score at the final buzzer read PHI 81-70 JAP.
The Philippine will face China in tomorrow’s final, with the winner gaining a spot in the Olympics as well as the gold medal. Japan will face Iran for the bronze medal. Both teams, along with the loser of the finals will enter an Olympic Qualifying Tournament in 2016.
