Robert Bolick, Jerrick Ahanmisi Power Gilas Pilipinas Past Kazakhstan for First Asian Games Win

Gilas Pilipinas bounced back in emphatic fashion as Robert Bolick and Jerrick Ahanmisi sparked a dominant 109-78 demolition of Kazakhstan on Saturday, September 12, securing the Philippines’ first victory in the Asian Games and keeping its quarterfinal hopes firmly alive.

Robert Bolick, Jerrick Ahanmisi Photo File Gilas

NAGOYA, Japan — Gilas Pilipinas bounced back from its painful loss to Bahrain by dominating Kazakhstan, 109-78, to claim its first victory in the Asian Games on Saturday, September 12, at the Aichi International Arena.

Robert Bolick and Jerrick Ahanmisi led the way for the Philippines, delivering strong performances after struggling in the team’s previous game.

Bolick scored 20 points in just over 15 minutes on the court. After being held scoreless against Bahrain, he became a key offensive weapon for Gilas, scoring 13 points in the second quarter and helping the Philippines build a 50-37 lead at halftime.

Ahanmisi then took over in the second half. He finished with a game-high 22 points, including seven three-pointers on 11 attempts. In the fourth quarter alone, he knocked down five triples, helping Gilas pull away and turn the game into a one-sided contest.

Kazakhstan managed only 12 points in the final quarter as the Philippines continued to extend its lead. After holding an 18-15 advantage at the end of the opening period, Gilas steadily took control of the game and eventually secured a 31-point victory.

Calvin Oftana also contributed 12 points after scoring 31 in the loss to Bahrain. Sedrick Barefield added 11 points, five assists, and four rebounds to help strengthen the Philippine attack.

Zavier Lucero also made a major contribution, finishing with 10 points and nine rebounds. As a team, Gilas shot exceptionally well from beyond the three-point line, making 16 of 29 attempts for an impressive 55 percent.

Bolick and Barefield also bounced back from their 0-for-5 three-point shooting performance against Bahrain. This time, Bolick made four three-pointers, while Barefield connected on three.

Adrian Nocum, who suffered a right ankle injury late in the game against Bahrain, played just under 16 minutes against Kazakhstan. He finished with four points and three assists. For Kazakhstan, Anton Bykov led the team with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Kazakhstan fell to 0-2 in Group C after also suffering a heavy loss to China.

With the victory, Gilas Pilipinas improved to 1-1 in Group C and strengthened its chances of advancing to the quarterfinals. The Philippines will have a one-day break before facing unbeaten China in its final group-stage game on Monday, September 14.

The game will be crucial for Gilas, as a victory over China would send the Philippines to the quarterfinals. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-place teams, will advance to the knockout stage.

After suffering a disappointing loss to Bahrain, Gilas Pilipinas delivered a strong response against Kazakhstan showing improved shooting, better execution, and the determination to fight for a place in the Asian Games quarterfinals.

Philippines 109, Kazakhstan 78

The Philippines secured a convincing 109–78 victory over Kazakhstan, taking control of the game from the opening quarter and steadily pulling away as the match progressed.

Jerrick Ahanmisi led the Philippines with 22 points, while Robert Bolick added 20. Kevin Oftana contributed 12 points, followed by Chris Newsome. Justin Arana actually, the listed contributors include Barefield (11) and Lucero (10).

Kazakhstan was led by Bykov with 15 points, while Marat and Maydekin each scored 12. Neff added 11.

The Philippines held the advantage throughout the game, leading 18–15 after the first quarter, 50–37 at halftime, and 82–66 after three quarters, before closing out the contest with a 31-point fourth quarter to complete the 109–78 triumph.

Quarter-by-quarter: