Gilas uses balanced attack to deal Spartak 1st Jones Cup loss

MANILA, Philippines -- Gilas Pilipinas finally played cohesively as team as they put up a tough stand to deal the physical-playing Spartak Primorye of Russia its first loss, 85-71, on Tuesday in the 37th William Jones Cup in Taiwan. 

A day after Baldwin rued Gilas' game as "too individualistic" in their 70-82 loss to South Korea, the Nationals responded well using a balanced attack to counter the Russian's rugged and physical play. 

Ranidel de Ocampo bounced back from a lackluster Jones Cup debut with 13 points while four more players chipped in eight or more. 

Terrence Romeo, who proved to be as tough as nails, shrugged off Russian's rugged defense on him to collect 11 points, four rebounds and two assists while Calvin Abueva flirted with double-double adding 10 points and eight boards. 

Romeo was a recipient of a hard elbow in the opening period that almost sparked a melee. Gilas center Sonny Thoss, was also bloodied by the same Russian player who knocked Romeo down, and never returned to court. 

"If they (Gilas) backed down, they would have to confront me," Baldwin said during the post-game press conference. 

Asi Taulava also had brief skirmishes with a Russian player in the battle for a rebound possession.  Gilas played with great composure in front of the Russian's physical bordering to dirty tactics which augurs well for their tough match against reigning FIBA Asia champion Iran on Thursday following another interesting match against Japan on Wednesday. 

Moala Tautuaa also showed his fine passing skills as a big man issuing five assists to go with 10 points two boards while Matt Ganuelas-Rosser had 10 and four assists.  Jc Intal also played his best game in Gilas uniform rifling in two triples en route to eight points. 

Entering this game, the Russians were unbeaten crushing the US selection, 85-64, then outlasted South Korea, 86-84, and the Wellington Saints of New Zealand, 98-94. 

But against a Gilas side, who showed great resolve following a deflating defeat at the hands of arch-rival South Korea, the Russians found them a tough nut to crack. 

Gilas held them down to just 71 points after averaging 89 in their first three games. 

The scores:

Gilas Pilipinas 85 – De Ocampo 13, Romeo 11, Abueva 10, Tautuaa 10, Ganuelas-Rosser 10, Intal 8, Taulava 7, Rosario 6, Hontiveros 6,Alapag 3, Hontiveros 6, Thoss 1, Ramos 0.

Spartak Primorye 71 – Glazyrin 23, Goliakhov 12, Uzinskii 11, Savelev 10, Fedorchuk 5, Fediushin 5, Ivanov 4, Zverkov 1, Pisarchuk 0.

Quarterscores: 20-23, 43-40, 61-50, 85-71.