(Anadolu photo)
MANILA – Gilas PIlipinas booked a place in the FIBA Asia Cup after beating South Korea, 81-78, in the third window of the qualifying phase at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center on Wednesday night.
SJ Belangel won it for Gilas as he scored on a buzzer-beating fallaway three-pointer against the outstretched arms of Lee Seoung-Hyun.
The game-winner capped Gilas' comeback from 17 points down in the second quarter.
Belangel's clutch moment also canceled Lee Hyun-Jung's own shot from beyond the arc that tied the game at 78-all with 2.9 seconds left, which was set up after Ange Kouame missed what would have been the dagger bonus free throw off Lee's foul.
Dwight Ramos led Gilas, which beat South Korea for the first time since the 2013 FIBA Asia Cup semifinals in Pasay, with 16 points, five rebounds, two steals, and one block.
Belangel added 13 points, five rebounds, and two assists as the Philippine side remained unbeaten after four games.
Ange Kouame had 12 points, six rebounds, one assist, and one block, while Kai Sotto made 11 markers, seven rebounds, two assists, and one steal in their much-anticipated debut in Gilas' senior team.
Ricardo Ratliffe put up 24 points, 15 rebounds, and two assists for South Korea, which lost for the first time in the ACQ after a 2-0 start during the first window last year.
Both teams will face off again on Sunday. (PNA)
