WATCH: Gilas Pilipinas vs India [FIBA World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers | July 3, 2022]

The Philippines hope to take advantage of their home matchup with India and close Window 3 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers on a strong note.

The game will be played in Mall of Asia Arena, Manila, Philippines.

The Philippines had a comfortable 88-64 win in these two teams’ first meeting, and coach Nenad Vucinic’s wards are expected to record another win on 3 July. That will be easier said than done given how he will likely have just ten healthy players against a bigger and upset-conscious India.

Still, the Filipinos’ depth and homecourt edge should come through and lift them to win number two.

With both Thirdy Ravena and Carl Tamayo unable to suit up for this game, much of the Filipinos’ scoring load will fall on the shoulders of Dwight Ramos. The 6’4 wingman had 17 points the last time they faced India, and he can surely replicate that once more.

India will try to bother Ramos with their length, but the 23-year-old has enough skill to find a way around anything India will throw at him.

Kiefer Ravena struggled against New Zealand, but he should have a much better outing here against the Indians. Ravena likely won’t score a ton, but his court vision will be crucial in finding his teammates for easy scoring opportunities.

Via
One Sports
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