The team from Turkey led by former NBA player Semih Erden and 2015 NBA Draft pick Cedi Osman created a formidable duo against Gilas Pilipinas in a lopsided victory 103-68.
The former NBA players were just too immense for the Gilas Pilipinas team and reportedly went unstoppable on offense. The home team pulled off well-executed plays that produced open baskets mostly for Erden and Osman.
In its first competitive game of its Europe training camp Gilas Pilipinas suffered a beating at Abdi Ipekci Arena in Istanbul.
Gilas Pilipinas’ Andray Blatche chipped in 23 points, while Jayson Castro out in 15 markers against the formidable opponent which they might face in the knockout stages of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila.
Calvin Abueva finished with eight points, while LA Tenorio scored six markers. Jeff Chan and Ray Parks each had five.
Ryan Reyes who scored three points, Gabe Norwood with two points, and Japeth Aguilar with one point.
The Filipinos were able to keep in step with the Turkish in the first quarter but Turkey led after the first 10 minutes of play, 30-19.
Turkey was in full control of the game, seizing an insurmountable 30-point lead, 69-39 which soared to at 37 points.
Gilas Pilipinas will face Turkey again on July 1 at Mall of Asia Arena before the Olympic qualifier.