Phl Gilas overpowers Egypt

MANILA, Philippines - Gilas Pilipinas clobbered Egypt, 74-65, in a friendly match in Guadalajara, Spain in a victory that snapped a string of setbacks six days before the start of the 2014 FIBA World Cup in six major Spanish cities.

Jeff Chan fired 20 points with four three-pointers while Andray Blatche overcame a lethargic start and made 14 points in the second half as the Nationals checked a five-game slump in warm-up games in topping the 2013 FIBA Afro Championship second-placers.

Marc Pingris contributed 12 points and five rebounds, Junmar Fajardo chipped in eight points on 4-of-5 shooting while Ranidel de Ocampo and Gabe Norwood added seven apiece as Gilas Pilipinas pulled off the win before a cheering crowd of about 2,000 Filipinos.

“Amazed by all our kabayans who came out to support us 2nyt here in Guada. We appreciate all of u! TY!” said Jimmy Alapag on his Twitter account.

Trailing majority of the first half, the Nationals came out strong from the break and rolled to the nine-point triumph – their first win after losses to France, Australia, Ukraine, Euzkadi-Basque and Angola.

They play their last tune-up match versus Dominican Republic today.

Egypt sported a 5-3 win-loss card in tune-up matches before bowing to the Filipinos. 

With the win, Team Phl jumped to No. 16 in the FIBA Power Ladder with an even 6-6 win-loss card in games played from the FIBA Asia Cup.

Through yesterday, Gilas was No. 4 among Group B teams in the World Cup, behind Greece (5-3), Argentina (4-3) and Puerto Rico (5-4). Croatia and Senegal had similar 1-3 marks.

Gilas Pilipinas and Senegal have seen each other up close in Guadalajara.

In the other game yesterday, Estonia whipped Senegal, 74-61.

A day earlier, Dominican Republic crushed Senegal, 83-47.