Gilas Pilipinas braces for next big battle in July

IT WAS a stinging loss to mighty Australia that left Gilas Pilipinas with a feeling of letting its adoring supporters down.

Now the Nationals intend to use it as fuel heading to the next big battle in July.

The Pinoy dribblers got a harsh reality check in the form of a 93-66 beating on Sunday night at a packed SM MOA Arena, unable to keep in step with the charging Boomers in the second half, 55-33, after staying at a manageable five-point deficit in the first 20 minutes.

With this, they reeled to a 0-2 output showing in the second window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers after falling short on Feb. 26 in a fighting 66-69 loss to New Zealand (NZ).

“It was painful, especially at home. We had higher hopes and it didn’t work out for us. But, you know, we’re going to look forward to July,” said coach Tim Cone.

The July window gives Gilas (2-2 overall) a chance at atonement against Australia (4-0) and NZ (2-2). But the task gets exponentially harder as it would both be played at the two powerhouses’ home courts.

“It’s so honorable to play and be with this team. And just having that opportunity is fantastic. So when we come back together in July, it’s always going to be a special thing. And I think we’re going to come back with renewed fire.”

Such fire will have to come with lots of learning, especially improved scheming in setting up Justin Brownlee (JB) and the Gilas gunners for quality shots after practically firing blanks in the twin losses at home.

“It’s back to the drawing board for me a little bit. I think we’re going to have to look a little bit at our offense and maybe try to simplify things a little more,” said Mr. Cone.

“But, you know, for a game and a half, I couldn’t have been more proud about our defense. And that was one of the things we really wanted to correct coming into this window. You see, the moment you don’t defend, the game can get away from you in a hurry. And that’s exactly what happened to us in that second half (against Australia).”

Mr. Brownlee, who had his worst scoring game versus NZ (four points) but rebounded with a 20-point outburst against the Boomers, expects the squad to emerge from this episode wiser.

“I think this window definitely gave us a lot of experience playing with teams like New Zealand and Australia. They give you that high level. These two are some of the best teams worldwide,” JB said.

“I appreciate the experience just like for sure the whole team did and the coaching staff and the whole program. Hopefully, we will get better from it,” he added.

Notes: The first Philippine-Australia match in the country since the ugly brawl of 2018 in Bocaue went about smoothly, proving that the two sides have both moved on from the incident and are now enjoying a harmonious relationship. Post-game, the Nationals and the Boomers posed together for photos at center to applause from the crowd. Filipino fans also cheered and offered high fives to the Aussies as they made their way to the dugout. — Olmin Leyba