Gilas survives big scare, outlasts Japan

MANILA, Philippines -- Gilas Pilipinas bucked a poor start and an ankle injury to Andray Blatche to survive a pesky Japan side, 73-66, Sunday at the start of the second round in 2015 FIBA Asia Men's Championship in Changsha Social Work College gym in Hunan China.

With the game hanging in the balance, Ranidel de Ocampo hit the go-ahead three-pointer to break a 64-deadlock. Gilas then leaned on Calvin Abueva and Blatche clutch plays to survive the big scare from Japan.

Gilas improved to 2-1 win-loss card.

Blatche finished with 18 points helping Gilas recover from an early 10-point deficit.

Japan appeared headed for an upset when they took the game's first double-digit lead, 29-19. Gilas though recovered and sat on a 35-33 halftime lead.

Gilas controllled the tempo in the second half but Japan made a push in the closing minutes to tie the game for the last time at 64-all. That's when De Ocampo hit the game's biggest basket.

Gilas will play Iran next at 11:45 a.m. Monday.