Gilas bounces back, rips Hong Kong apart

MANILA, Philippines — A fired up Gilas Pilipinas vented its ire on hapless Hong Kong,101-50, Thursday at Changsha Social Work College Gymnasium to get back on track in the 2015 FIBA Asia Men's Championship in Hunan, China.

A day after a stunning 73-75 upset loss to first timer Palestine, Gilas went off to a 12-0 start and never looked back.

Hong Kong, which gave Gilas fits in the 2013 edition, just could not keep in step with a rejuvenated Gilas side.

Gilas sizzled from the outside sinking 14 triples while switching on their defensive intensity for the quick work that put them back on course to the next round.

Jayson Castro led five Gilas players in double figures with 21 points, five rebounds and two assists while naturalized big man Andray Blatche had 17 and eight boards in a dominant performance that was expected from the 2013 silver medalists.

Gilas dominated Hong Kong in all fronts shooting nearly 50 percent from the field and hauling down 62 rebounds.

Hong Kong, which drubbed Kuwait by 37 in Day One, was limited to just 26.3 percent shooting and were badly battered on the boards collaring only 38.

Veteran gunner Dondon Hontiveros also bounced back from a 1-of-7 three-point shooting against Palestine as he made 4-of-6 this time and finished with 14 points.

Gilas will next face Kuwait on Friday at 4:45 p.m.