By REYNALD MAGALLON
A dry spell in the final frame spelled doom for Gilas Pilipinas as it fell to Senegal, 72-64, to split its first two games in the Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament on Friday, Aug. 4 in Guangdong, China.
The shooting of the Filipinos simply abandoned them in the fourth quarter allowing the Senegalese to pull away for good and pick up their second straight victory in the pocket tournament.
Gilas, which recovered from another lackluster start with its pressing defense, actually held on to a 57-55 lead before going cold from the field in the final frame.
It was a drought which Senegal took advantage of to unload a pivotal 15-4 run and establish a comfortable 70-61 lead inside the final three minutes of the game.
June Mar Fajardo led Gilas with 14 points while Dwight Ramos and CJ Perez added 11. Jamie Malonzo also chipped in nine.
Gilas, which is already in the final stretch of its preparation for the 2023 World Cup, actually lost to a team that is not even set to participate in the global meet although it remained one of Africa toughest teams.
Senegal, which, just like Gilas, also defeated Iran B to go 2-0 in the first part of the pocket tournament, is actually preparing for the FIBA Pre-Olympic Qualifying tournament.
Gilas will get a chance to get back at the Senegalese on Sunday, Aug. 6.
