Gilas Pilipinas end competition winless
By Adrian Stewart Co

The Philippine men’s national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, closed their 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup campaign winless after falling 95-75 to Iran over the weekend at the Wukesong Arena in Beijing, China.
Triples from Andray Blatche, Japeth Aguilar, Gabe Norwood, and Kiefer Ravena gave Gilas an early 19-17 lead; however, Iran later rallied and turned it into a 30-24 edge. The Philippines then struggled in second period, which allowed Iran to pull ahead to a 58-34 halftime advantage.
Into the second half, Iran went on to lead by as much as 29 points.
Hamed Haddadi finished with 19 points for Iran, while Mohammadsamad Nik Khahbahrami contributed 17, Mohammad Jamshidijafarabadi – 16, and Behnam Yakhchalidehkordi – 14.
For Gilas, Robert Bolick, Jr. top-scored with 15 points./ASC, WDJ