ANGE Kouame made big plays late as Gilas Pilipinas shocked African powerhouse Tunisia in overtime, 74-73, to clinch a semifinal spot in the King Abdullah Cup on Friday (Manila time) at Prince Hamza Hall in Amman.
The naturalized center made the assist that led to Thirdy Ravena's marginal free throw with 9.1 seconds left then completed the job with a big block on Achref Gannouni that preserved Gilas' second win in three games in the five-nation tournament.
Kouame finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, five assists, five blocks, and two steals for Gilas, which held on despite making only 10 of its 33 attempts for a 30-percent clip.
Dwight Ramos added 11 points, three boards, and two assists, while SJ Belangel had 10 points and four assists in a game where Tunisia battled back from 73-69 to tie the score on Ahmed Addami's drive in the final 14.2 ticks of overtime.
That completed Gilas' fightback from a 59-51 fourth-quarter deficit that saw Rey Suerte tie the game at 66 with a three with 33.7 seconds remaining.
Isaac Go also delivered a solid eight points, three boards, and two assists, as Ravena and Matt Nieto both scored seven in the win.
Gilas closes its elimination assignment against Jordan-A on July 31 at 12 a.m., with the hosts holding an identical 2-1 card.
Rey Suerte to Force OT against Tunisia #aladdincup #gilaspilipinas pic.twitter.com/nkzepHZCRn
— marc cruz (@DwitjustinGilas) July 29, 2021