Gilas suffers rude awakening in FIBA World Cup opener vs mighty Italy

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas received a rude welcome in the 2019 FIBA World Cup after suffering a 46-point beatdown against Italy, 62-108, in Foshan, China on Saturday.

The much-taller Italians showed no mercy from the get go, with the blowout already apparent after the first few minutes of play.

NBA players Danilo Gallinari and Marco Belinelli imposed their will on the Filipino cagers on offense. Luigi Datome and Daniel Hackett also largely contributed to the statement win.

Amedeo Della Valle was also lethal from beyond the arc for Italy.

Andray Blatche and newcomer CJ Perez led Gilas in the loss with 15 points each.

The Nationals are 0-1 and will face world number 4 Serbia on Monday.