Asian Games: Gilas punches quarterfinals ticket with romp of Qatar

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 2) — The Philippine men's 5x5 basketball team advanced to the quarterfinals of the 19th Asian Games after demolishing Qatar, 80-41, Monday at the Zijingang Gymnasium in China.

June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez led the way for Gilas Pilipinas with 12 points apiece.

The Philippines zoomed to a 57-23 lead at the halftime break and never looked back.

Calvin Oftana dropped 11 points on 3-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc and two rebounds, while Justin Browlee and Japeth Aguilar finished with nine points each for Gilas.

Nedim Muslic was the lone player from Qatar who tallied in double digits with 12 markers and seven rebounds.

The Filipino cagers will have less than 24 hours to rest and prepare for their quarterfinals matchup against Iran on Oct. 3.