Gilas Pilipinas survives Chinese Taipei B scare for 2nd Jones Cup win

The Philippines had to contend with a surprisingly tough fight from Chinese Taipei B before coming away with a 93-82 victory on Monday in the William Jones Cup basketball tournament on Monday.

A day after beating the Chinese Taipei A team by 16 points, Gilas Pilipinas found itself in a dogfight with the hometown B squad.

Gilas led by just a single basket midway through the final period before an 8-1 run capped by back-to-back baskets by Star Hotshots point guard Jio Jalalon gave the Philippines a more comfortable 85-76 advantage with less than three minutes left.

Moments later, TNT deadshot Roger Pogoy nailed a corner three-pointer that gave Gilas its biggest lead of the game, 88-77.

With the win, the Philippines improved its record in the tournament to 2-1, its lone defeat coming on opening day against Canada. Gilas will take on Japan on Tuesday for its next assignment in the grueling competition, which will see teams play nine games in as many days.

National coach Chot Reyes is using the 10-team Jones Cup tournament to prepare for a pair of international competitions next month. —JST, GMA News