MANILA -- World No. 18 Montenegro overpowered Gilas Pilipinas, dealing the nationals a 102-87 beating during their scrimmage five days before the FIBA World Cup on Sunday at the PhilSports Arena.

Led by two-time NBA All-Star Nikola Vucevic, the Black Mountains rode on a furious second half after they only led by two at the end of the first 20 minutes, 44-42. They poured in 32 points in the third quarter to take a 76-64 lead going to the fourth canto.

Vucevic had 18 points, nine of which came from three-pointers and 11 coming in that fateful third quarter. He also added nine rebounds under his name.

Even with the loss, Gilas head coach Chot Reyes was impressed with how they competed in the first half just before Montenegro imposed their size and banked on the Chicago Bulls' main big man in Vucevic.

“I was surprised na dumikit tayo nang ganon,” he said. “Ang lakas nang team na kinalaban natin.”

But errors killed the Nationals once more, with the Filipino hoopers committing 19 turnovers last night which was one more than their throw-aways against Ivory Coast.

Also proving to be a thorn in Gilas’ side were the trio of Montenegrins who followed Vucevic in scoring in double digits.

Bojan Dublijevic had 16 markers, while Kendrick Perry tallied 15 and Vladimir Mihailovic finished with 12.

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Jordan Clarkson led the way for Gilas with 27 points on 8-of-15 field goal shooting, but he committed eight of the total turnovers of the squad. June Mar Fajardo chipped in 19 markers but was saddled with fouls in the first three quarters.

Dwight Ramos also scored 13 markers, while Scottie Thompson and AJ Edu poured in eight and six, respectively.

Only Thirdy Ravena and Ray Parks Jr. have yet to see action during Gilas’ recent friendly games, with Reyes fielding Calvin Oftana last night to allow him to showcase his talent. Chris Newsome was also present but got a DNP.

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Gilas will take on Mexico in their final scrimmage on Monday. Prior to their loss, the nationals dismantled Ivory Coast, 85-62,