Gilas Pilipinas vs. Japan: Score and Reaction from 2015 William Jones Cup

Gilas Pilipinas' strong start at the 2015 William Jones Cup continued Wednesday as they improved to 3-1 with a convincing 75-60 victory over Japan in Taiwan.  

The Philippines once again relied on contributions throughout the lineup as Terrence Romeo, Ranidel de Ocampo, Moala Tautuaa and Jayson Castro all netted at least 10 points. Romeo led the way, though, as he scored a game-high 16 and helped Gilas pull away in the fourth quarter.

The Filipino side was clinging to a two-point lead entering the final frame, but it finally found its true form by outscoring Japan 29-16 and ensuring the Japanese squad would remain winless.

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tab Baldwin was extremely happy with his team's play Wednesday, but he also believes it has a long way to go before it is capable of accomplishing its ultimate goal, according to Musong R. Castillo of Inquirer.net: "It's the best basketball we played. We're getting better, but we're not good enough yet to win the FIBA Asia."

The winner of FIBA Asia will qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, although the Philippines are currently focused on winning the William Jones Cup for the first time since 2012.

That focus was't necessarily present for much of the opening three quarters as gritty Japan was able to hang tough. Joji Takeuchi's 15 points helped keep things close, but with only one other player scoring in double figures for the Japanese, they didn't have enough firepower to keep pace in the fourth.

Former Gilas national team coach Chot Reyes believes the Philippines' stable of hungry, up-and-coming players was ultimately the difference Wednesday:

It is difficult to argue with that notion since Gilas Pilipinas had far more pep in their step than Japan late in the game. Romeo spearheaded that effort with his electric play from the point guard position, and everyone else followed.

Another advantage the Philippines had over Japan, though, was the crowd support.

As pointed out by veteran Asi Taulava on Instagram, the Filipino fanbase came out in force during Wednesday's contest:

Although he didn't play in the game, legendary Filipino guard Jimmy Alapag believed the presence of the fans was palpable as well:

After beating Japan, Gilas are now in a very advantageous spot in the William Jones Cup standings. That is because table-leading Iran was shocked by the United States 81-66 Wednesday. The defeat dropped Iran to 4-1, which leaves it just a half-game ahead of the Philippines.

Gilas Pilipinas will have a chance to potentially vault into first place Thursday as they will take on Iran in the most important game of the tournament for either team to this point.

Based on the manner in which the 2015 William Jones Cup is playing out, Castillo points out there could be some parallels drawn between the current event and the one Gilas won three years ago:

The Philippines almost certainly must defeat Iran again in order to win the fifth William Jones Cup in team history, and it seems well positioned to do precisely that.

Gilas will enter the clash on a high note after turning in a great fourth-quarter effort against Japan, and there is reason to believe they will be able to parlay that into a win that will change the entire complexion of the tournament.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.