Gilas Pilipinas scores 2nd straight win in Lithuania

MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas won its second straight tune-up game rallying past against Birstono Jazz Diremta, 74-63, Friday night at Svyturio Arena in Lithuania.

The Nationals leaned on a big second half to overhaul a six-point halftime deficit.

Jazz Dimrenta controlled the match three-fourths of the way until Gilas unleashed a 27-11 fourth quarter run to score the come-from-behind win.

“Great comeback! Shot poorly today but adjusted and got them with our speed. Our boys just kept on fighting,” Gilas assistant coach Josh Reyes, who is also the son of national team coach Chot, posted on his twitter account (@josh_reyes) last night. “Sorry can’t share more details.”   

Marcus Douthit paced the Nationals with 18 points while Gabe Norwood added 13.  Gary David and Jeff Chan also hit nine and seven points, respectively. 

Chot revealed on his Twitter account (@coachot) earlier this morning that they only made three triples but still managed to make the game close until the fourth quarter run. 

"Come from behind W again. Shot only 3/20 3s, but found ways to stay in the game. Still a lot of work to do," Chot said. 

Jazz Dimrenta finished 14^th in the Lithuanian national league (NKL) after compiling a 13-21 win-loss record last season.

It was the Nationals’ second straight victory after beating Lithuania league (LKL) fourth ranked team Klaipedos-Neptunas, 81-76 in a similar come-from-behind fashion.

The national pool is in Lithuania for a two-week training camp in preparation for the FIBA-Asia Championship to be held here in August. They will face Kaunas LSU-Baltai tomorrow night in the third of the six-game schedule.