Gilas Pilipinas absorbed a 73-60 loss to Egypt in the opener of King Abdullah Cup Monday, July 26 at the Prince Hamza Hall in Amman, Jordan.
Cold shooting marred the start of Gilas’ campaign in the Jordanian capital, making just 35 of its shots including a 4-of-27 clip from three-point range.
The Filipinos were able to pull within six with under three minutes to go, 64-58, only for the Egyptians to score eight unanswered points on their way to victory.
Naturalized player Ange Kouame finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds while Isaac Go came off the bench to likewise score 13 for Gilas.
Dwight Ramos saw action after missing the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Serbia due to a groin injury, posting nine points, five rebounds and four assists.
Thirdy Ravena, back in a national team jersey, had eight points and eight rebounds.