Gilas Pilipinas barged into the win column of the King Abdullah Cup after beating Saudi Arabia, 77-62, Tuesday, July 27 at the Prince Hamza Hall in Amman, Jordan.
Justine Baltazar emerged as the team’s most outstanding performer by scoring 16 points as Gilas bounced back from its 73-60 loss to Egypt to begin its campaign the previous day.
Baltazar also hit all of his four three-point attempts in the contest, one of the reasons for Gilas’ improved shooting.
The squad of coach Tab Baldwin made 41 percent of its shots compared to a 35-percent clip the last time against the Egyptians.
Isaac Go and Ange Kouame were the other Gilas players in double figures with 10 points apiece. Kouame also grabbed six rebounds and blocked two shots.
Dave Ildefonso had eight points and four assists while Thirdy Ravena added six points, five rebounds and three assists for Gilas.
Gilas took a day off Wednesday, July 28 but will return to action the following night when it takes on Tunisia.