GDM Sports Desk

Gilas Pilipinas felt like they were playing inside the Mall of Asia Arena when they faced Saudi Arabia, despite being a road game.

Most Filipinos in Saudi filled the 10,000-seater King Abdullah Sports City Gym in Jeddah to show support for our national team.

But unlike their 84-46 win, Gilas got too excited to put on a show for their Filipino fans that they had to scrap and work hard every possession.

"In the first half, we were too excited. We had a lot of turnovers," said Gilas floor general Scottie Thompson.

Coming off a 31-25 halftime lead, Roger Pogoy’s hot-shooting and CJ Perez’s off-the-bench spark allowed Gilas to gain a 50-34 lead midway through the third period.

Although Saudi Arabia tried to fight their way back in the fourth period, Gilas provided crucial baskets to seal a 76-63 win.

“Good thing, we got to recover in the second half and pull it off," Thompson said, who finished the game with nine points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

The reigning PBA MVP was glad to see the Filipino fans cheering for them throughout the game.

"First and foremost, we just want to thank God for the win tonight and of course, the Filipinos coming out there coming to support us,” Thompson said.