FIBA World Cup qualifiers: Blatche stellar in return, as Gilas routs Qatar

ANDRAY Blatche played brilliantly in his return to the Philippines men's national basketball team, keying an 84-46 rout of Qatar in their qualifying game in Doha early Friday morning (Manila time) for the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

Blatche finished with 17 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists, to go with 3 3-pointers at Al-Gharafa Sports Club Multi- Purpose Hall. On the defensive end, he added 2 steals and 2 blocks, a consistent showing across the board that rubbed off on his teammates.

"Andray just created a lot of opportunities for us on offense and in defense," said Gilas head coach Yeng Guiao, whose side connected on 15 3-pointers, the most the Filipinos have registered in these qualifiers.

"He changed the whole team. The guys just felt good playing with him."

Guiao and his crew raised their record to 6-5, which hasn't changed their standing in Group F; they're still in fourth place after Japan shocked Iran 87-79.

As Australia (10-1) runs away with the top spot, Japan and Iran are tied for second and third places at 7-4.

Japan and Iran could outright book a seat in the World Cup if they respectively beat also-ran Qatar (2-9) in Doha and Australia in Tehran on Sunday, February 24.

Gilas closes its elimination-round campaign when it faces Kazakhstan in the capital city of Astana also on Sunday.

Against Qatar, the Philippines found its rhythm after a 31-21 halftime lead to pull away.

A pair of 3-pointers by Paul Lee and Blatche opened the floodgates for the Filipinos for a 49-23 lead in the third quarter, where Gilas outscored the hosts 31-9.

The visitors, who were up by as many as 45 points, shot 15 of 30 from downtown overall, and assisted 21 of their 26 field goals.

Marcio Lassiter added 14 points on a perfect 4 of 4 from 3-point territory, while Lee contributed 13 points, 2 3-pointers and 7 rebounds.

Jayson Castro, who joined forces with Blatche to help Gilas establish control in the first half, finished with 11 points, a pair of 3-pointers, and 4 assists. ABS-CBN News