Dwight Ramos manned Gilas with 20 points on his watch with 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and the same number of steals, while both Juan Gomes de Liaño and Justin Baltazar contributed 12 points. 

Skipper Kobe Paras, however, who was expected to lead the team was not in the frame of mind as he was substituted out early during the first quarter, back in the second to put once again to reserve.

Paras was still reinstated during the 3rd and 4th quarter but were not able to redeem himself, contributing an overall 3 points over the ending score of 93 of Gilas.

While Rey Suerte was able to penetrate the first 2 points of the first quarter but was immediately revoked by the Thai league’s MVP Jakrawan. Nonetheless, one minute had passed and Gilas was able to take the lead, 6-2.

The game was intensified as Thai drilled two consecutive 3-point shots and superseding 2-point shots of Jaisanuk and Justine Baltazar. 

For the first game of FIBA qualifiers, a fight of a very first close-quarter has been manifested as Thai tried to crumpled Gilas with its outside shots, but the young gunners refused with the solid defense of Ramos, helping Baltazar and Suerte to seize the first quarter, 21-19.

The first half of the second quarter was still a close fight as Suttisin and Jaisanuk manned the Thais, yet Gilas was able to go way ahead as both Juan GDL and Ramos rained the Thai team with their ruthless three consecutive 3-point shots alone ending the quarter with 53-29.

Wongsawangtham and Suttisin tried to close the gap getting close to the ball, but Gilas decided to take total control of this game, 75-43. 

The pressure for Thai has continued to climb as Gilas Pilipinas persisted in maneuvering the fight, with a score of 93-61 in the fourth quarter.

The nat’l team made 35-of-73 shots from the field, including 10-of-31 from three-point territory, while its defense held Thailand to just 19-of-64 shooting.

The two squads will face each other once again on Monday which will be broadcasted live at One Sports at 9 pm (Manila Time) and at TV 5 with a late telecast at 11:30 pm.

The scores:

PHILIPPINES 93 – Ramos 20, De Liano J.G. 12, Baltazar, 12, Suerte 9, De Liano J.J. 9, Nieto Mi. 8, Go 6, Nieto Ma. 4, Carino 4, Navarro 4, Paras 3, Ildefonso 2. 

THAILAND 61 – Wongsawangtham 17, Jaisanuk 12, Suttisin 10, Langsui 6, Jakrawan 5, Chungyampin 5, Muangboon 4, Klaewnarong 2, Lakhan 0, Ghogar 0. 

Quarters: 21-19; 53-29; 75-43; 93-61.