The Gilas Pilipinas fought hard but still fell short as they got beaten by Iceland, 76-86, at the close of the Toyota Four Nations Cup on Saturday at the Saku Suurhaal in Tallinn, Estonia.
Andray Blatche continued to round out into form with 22 points while Terrence Romeo waxed hot from the outside and finished with 17 markers. Gilas veteran Jayson Castro added 11 for the Filipinos, who finished the pocket tournament without a single win in three games.
Still, the Gilas showed signs of life as it came back from an 18-point deficit in the second behind a sizzling shooting display by Romeo, who scored 10 straight points to trim the deficit to eight, 38-46.
The Nationals then grabbed the driver’s seat, 51-48, after a triple by Blatche but Iceland countered with a run of its own that built the lead back up to 15, 81-66.
The Filipinos gamely tried to come back but Iceland had an answer every time until the final buzzer.
The Gilas fly back to Manila today before leaving again for the Jones Cup in Taiwan.
CLARKSON INTERESTED TO JOIN GILAS
In related news, Los Angeles Laker Jordan Clarkson has expressed his willingness to join the Gilas, according to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
On Sunday, the SBP said the Filipino-American guard wants to be part of the national team.
SBP added Clarkson would be invited to observe the Gilas practices in the Philippines and in Taipei while the team prepares for the Jones Cup.