The Philippines men’s basketball team kicked off their Asian Games 2023 campaign with a resounding victory, defeating Bahrain 89-61 in an exciting showdown at the Hangzhou Olympic Center on Tuesday, September 26.

Leading the charge for Gilas Pilipinas were Angelo Kouame and CJ Perez, who both contributed 15 points to the team’s impressive performance. Justin Brownlee also played a pivotal role, adding 14 points and securing nine rebounds, further solidifying the team’s statement win. Follow your favourite basketball team with attractive betting odds from Nextbet, one of the best basketball gambling sites.

The game started with a competitive first quarter, but Gilas Pilipinas came alive in the second period. CJ Perez ignited a surge with seven consecutive points, and from there, the team’s lead continued to expand. As the halftime buzzer sounded, the Philippines held a commanding 51-33 advantage.

While the bulk of the damage had been done in the first half, the Filipino squad remained relentless. They outscored Bahrain by seven points in the third quarter and closed out the game with a three-point victory in the final quarter, securing an unblemished record in their inaugural contest.

The team’s overall statistics were highly impressive, with the Philippines boasting a 52-38 rebounding advantage and a significant 24-11 lead in assists over Bahrain.

Bahrain’s Maitham Jameel A. Mahdi Almoathin put up a commendable performance with 14 points and three assists.

Looking ahead, Gilas Pilipinas will continue their journey in the Asian Games, facing Thailand in their second pool game on September 28 at 11:00. The team’s victorious start has set the stage for an exciting tournament as they strive for further success in this prestigious competition. Get the latest updates from the world of basketball only on Nextbet Sports.