Jerrick Ahanmisi and Robert Bolick combined for 42 points to power Gilas Pilipinas past Kazakhstan, 109-78, in Group C of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games men’s basketball tournament on Saturday, September 12. The rout evened Gilas’ record to 1-1.

The win came a day after Gilas dropped a stunning 69-65 decision to Bahrain, putting an early dent in its bid to defend the gold medal it won three years ago in Hangzhou, China. Saturday’s performance showed the squad quickly finding its rhythm.

Ahanmisi Erupts From Deep, Bolick Battles Through Injury

Ahanmisi caught fire from beyond the arc, finishing with a game-high 22 points on 7-of-11 shooting from three-point range for a scorching 64% clip. Most of his scoring came in bursts that helped Gilas pull away from Kazakhstan.

Bolick backed him up with 20 points and two assists, going 4-of-6 from three-point territory. The NLEX Road Warriors guard played through a knee injury that had him listed as a game-time decision heading into the matchup.

Bolick had also struggled with his shot since a two-game exhibition series against South Korea in Suwon the previous weekend. His bounce-back performance came at a crucial moment as Gilas tries to climb out of Group C.

Oftana, Barefield Add Scoring Punch as Gilas Locks Down on Defense

Calvin Oftana chipped in 12 points, while Sedrick Barefield added 11 points and five assists to round out Gilas’ scoring attack. Gilas also shot a blistering 55% from three-point range, converting 16 of 29 attempts on the night.

The Filipinos were just as sharp on defense, forcing turnovers and racking up eight steals and four blocks against Kazakhstan. Anton Bykov led the Kazakhs with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Askar Maydekin added 12 points and seven boards.

Gilas next faces China on Sept. 14, a team that routed Bahrain, 105-59, earlier in the tournament. Kazakhstan, meanwhile, will battle Bahrain on the same day as both teams look for their first win in Group C.