Basketball player blocks shot in Gilas blowout against India during FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.

Gilas blows out India in FIBA World Cup Qualifiers


The Gilas Pilipinas men’s national basketball team overcame a rough start and then, routed India, 88-64, to pick up its first win in the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Leading by just 12, 44-32, at halftime, the Gilas found their second wind in the third, outscoring India, 24-15, to finally pull away and cruise to the 24-point win.

Dwight Ramos, taking a break from his B.League stint in Japan to once again play for pride and country, led the way for the Gilas with 17 points, four rebounds, three assists, and a steal. Fellow B.Leaguer Thirdy Ravena was just as lethal, compiling 15 points, two assists, and a steal.

Dwight Ramos / FIBA

Cebuano wingman Roger Pogoy showed no ill effects of the calf injury that sidelined him recently and produced 12 points, four boards, and two steals. Northport star Robert Bolick rounded out the Gilas’ double-figure scorers with 10 points.

Kib Montalbo, playing for the Gilas for the very first time, sparked the team’s 22-8 run in the third with his eight points, including a buzzer-beating triple from long distance to put them up, 68-47.

Sahaij Pratap Singh Sekhon led India with 14 points, while Prashant Singh Rawat added 13.

Explore Sulit!