DOHA (Qatar) - Philippines national team head coach Yeng Guiao could not help himself from displaying a rare grin of delight after an emphatic 84-46 win over Qatar. It was a must-win for the Philippines and they responded with a 31-9 third quarter that blew the game wide open.

"I told the guys at halftime that once the nervous tensions were gone, we should be able to play our natural flow and that’s what happened," Guiao said during the postgame pressconference.

A major part of why Gilas Pilipinas were able to “play their natural flow” was the return to the team of 32-year-old Andray Blatche. The long time member of the Philippines national team missed out the action in the previous two windows of play in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers for a total of 4 games and watched as his comrades lost 3 of those 4 games. This game against Qatar was his first game back and Blatche made sure to let his presence known with a stat-stuffing line of 17 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Blatche also added in 3 triples to a 31 efficiency rating performance, by far his more efficient game so far in the Asian Qualifiers.

"I feel great," said Blatche. "I almost had a triple-double but it comes from having great teammates. I just felt good being able to play my game again and help my team out."

"I guess his game just speaks for himself."- Yeng Guiao on Andray Blatche

 The former Washington Wizard had limited time to prepare with the national team ahead of this windown, slowed down by commitments with his club in China. It seems like that hasn’t been much of a problem so far, with Blatche being able to connect with his teammates with ease as the Philippines rained in 15 triples on 30 attempts.

"Andray just created a lot of opportunities for us, both on offense and defense. He changed the whole team and the guys just felt good playing with him."

Veterans like Gabe Norwood and Jayson Castro have also been long time teammates with Blatche on the Philippines national team. Even more than filling up the box sheets or getting an emphatic dunk, it’s the chance to once again play with these guys he claims as “family” that means the most for Blatche in his return.

"I’ve been with this team for many years,” Blatche expressed. “Travelled the world with them, competed with them against a lot of countries. There’s no bigger plus than getting to play with this team, creating family and bonds with so many people. it’s just a great opportunity for me."

Just the mere presence of the 2.10M (6’11”) Blatche on the court is a massive advantage for the Philippines even if he isn’t touching the ball. Time and again in this game against Qater, sharpshooters like Paul Lee and Marcio Lassiter were left wide open as the defense focused their attention on Blatche.

"He’s the team teacher. He helped us out offensively and defensively. He controlled the momentum. He controlled the situations of the game. He draws a lot of attention from the defense which creates the opening. That’s why we shot a lot of three point shots. We got the good looks and the openings," explains Coach Guiao.

“I guess his game just speaks for himself.”

The task at hand is done and the Blatche has made a resounding return to the Philippines national team. However, there’s still one more thing left to do.

"It felt great to be among my brothers and compete and definitely get the win," Blatche said. "We’re not done yet; we have one more game. Kazakhstan, we’re going to have to take care of them."

The Philippines had previously lost to Kazakhstan in Manila 92-88 and will be getting they chance at revenge and a chance at a ticket to the FIBA Basketball World Cup. The two teams will face each other on the final day of the final window, February 24, at the Saryarka Velodrome in Astana, Kazakhstan.