Gilas Pilipinas concluded their campaign in the 2nd Doha International Cup with a challenging 86-55 defeat against Egypt on February 17, 2025, at the Qatar University Sports Complex. This loss brought their tournament record to one win and two losses, while Egypt remained undefeated across their three games.Game OverviewThe match began on a positive note for Gilas, with Dwight Ramos spearheading an 8-2 run. However, Egypt quickly regained composure, ending the first half with a 39-28 lead, bolstered by a 21-point surge in the second quarter. Despite efforts from the Barangay Ginebra duo, Justin Brownlee and Scottie Thompson, who narrowed the gap to 49-40 early in the third quarter, Egypt maintained control. A series of three-pointers from Ehab Amin Saleh extended Egypt's lead, culminating in their decisive victory.Key PerformancesEgypt: Ehab Amin Saleh delivered an impressive 20 points off the bench, complemented by eight assists, six rebounds, and two steals. Amr Zahran added 12 points to the tally.Gilas Pilipinas: Justin Brownlee led the team with 18 points, five rebounds, and one assist. Starters Scottie Thompson, Dwight Ramos, and AJ Edu each contributed six points, while June Mar Fajardo was limited to five points.Should We Be Alarmed?The significant margin of defeat and recurring offensive struggles raise concerns as Gilas prepares for upcoming competitions. The team's shooting woes, managing only 37% from the field, and second-half lapses indicate areas needing immediate attention.Impact of Missing Kai SottoThe absence of Kai Sotto, sidelined due to an ACL injury, was palpable. His presence often alters opponents' offensive strategies and provides Gilas with a reliable scoring option. Without Sotto, the team faced challenges in both interior defense and offensive execution, underscoring the need to adapt to his prolonged unavailability.Areas for ImprovementOffensive Cohesion: Enhancing ball movement and creating open shots are crucial. The team must work on reducing forced attempts and improving shot selection.Defensive Consistency: Addressing second-half defensive breakdowns is essential. Implementing strategies to maintain intensity and focus throughout the game will be key.Rebounding Effort: With Egypt out rebounding Gilas 47-32, emphasizing boxing out and positioning can prevent second-chance points and provide more offensive opportunities.Turnover Reduction: Minimizing turnovers, which have been detrimental in crucial moments, will enhance the team's competitiveness against formidable opponents.As Gilas Pilipinas transitions to the next phase of their preparations, focusing on these areas will be vital for improved performances in future tournaments.

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