MANILA, Philippines -- Gilas Pilipinas had a disastrous start in the 2015 FIBA Asia Men's Championship losing to first timer Palestine, 73-75, Wednesday in Changsha Social Work College Gym in Hunan, China.
Jamal Abu Shamala and Salim Sakanini came through with big baskets down the stretch that broke the hearts of Gilas and millions of fans back home.
Shamala hit back-to-back three-pointer that capped off a 10-0 run while Sakanini completed a three-point play off a Dondon Hontiveros foul, 75-73, with 18 seconds left that proved to be the marginal basket.
Jayson Castro had a chance to send the game into overtime but opted to pass then Andray Blatche was left to make a desperation three-point attempt at the corner before the buzzer.
Shamala had 26 points and 15 rebounds to pace the Palestinians.
Gilas squandered several double-digit spreads in the game that the 2013 FIBA Asia silver medalist was tipped to dominate.
Blatche led Gilas with 21 points and 12 rebounds.