Asian Games 2023: Philippines defeat Bahrain 89-61 in men's basketball opener
Angelo Kouame and CJ Perez had 15 points each as the Gilas Pilipinas launched their 19th Asian Games tournament with a convincing victory over their Pool C rivals, Bahrain, at the Hangzhou Olympic Center.
Basketball
The Philippines men's basketball team got their Asian Games 2023 campaign off to a winning start, beating Bahrain 89-61 in their first Pool C game at the Hangzhou Olympic Center on Tuesday (26 September).
Leading the way for the Gilas Pilipinaswere Angelo Kouame and CJ Perez with 15 points each while Justin Brownlee added 14 points and nine rebounds to help deliver a statement opening win.
After a tight opening frame, the Gilas came alive in the second with Perez kickstarting the surge with seven straight points. The lead only grew from there with the Philippines closing out the half 51-33.
Though the damage was mostly done, the Filipinos continued to press onward outscoring Bahrain by seven points in the third quarter and winning the last by three to walk away with an unblemished record from their first encounter.
Across the board the team statistics were bright, too, for the Philippines, finishing with a 52-38 advantage in rebounding and 24-11 in assists.
Bahrain's Maitham Jameel A. Mahdi Almoathin finished with 14 points and three assists.
Gilas will continue their march at the Asiad with a second pool game against Thailand on 28 September at 11:00.