Gilas Secures Victory in First Friendly Match
Gilas Pilipinas scored a decisive win over the visiting Taiwan Mustangs on Monday, securing a 74-64 victory to kick off a series of friendly games aimed at preparing the Nationals for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Riga, Latvia. Despite missing several key players, Gilas delivered a strong performance before a rowdy crowd at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Coach Tim Cone’s Perspective
Coach Tim Cone emphasized that the primary goal was not simply winning but playing a certain style and facing challenging defenses. “We weren’t concerned about winning or losing a basketball game, we wanted to play a certain style,” Cone said. He highlighted the impact of Sam Deguara, a 7-foot-6 player who posed significant challenges both offensively and defensively.
Game Highlights
Despite never trailing in the game, Gilas had to fend off several comeback attempts by the Mustangs. The visitors, led by Deguara and nine-time PBA champion Alex Cabagnot, trimmed the lead to just two points at one stage. However, Dwight Ramos and Justin Brownlee shone for Gilas, with Ramos scoring 19 points and Brownlee contributing 12 points and 15 rebounds.
Key Player Performances
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dwight Ramos | 19 | 4 | 2 |
| Justin Brownlee | 12 | 15 | 3 |
| June Mar Fajardo | 8 | 5 | 1 |
| Japeth Aguilar | 6 | 3 | 1 |
| Mason Amos | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Upcoming Matches
Gilas is set to fly to Turkey for another tune-up match against the Turkish national team. They will also face the Polish national team before competing in Riga. In the OQT, Gilas will aim to defeat higher-ranked teams, World No. 6 Latvia and No. 23 Georgia, for a chance to advance to the knockout stage and secure a spot in the Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France.
Challenges and Team Adjustments
While pleased with the effort, Coach Cone acknowledged the need for improvement: “We gotta be better. But that’s why we have these games.” The absence of injured Scottie Thompson was felt, as Cone praised Thompson’s ability to influence the game in ways not reflected on the scorecard.
Cone on Scottie Thompson’s Absence
“I do really, really miss Scottie. You all know how much I rely on Scottie. He’s such an infectious player. He infects the guys around him. He does all the things that don’t show up on the scorecard,” Cone stated. Despite missing Thompson, Cone remains confident in the remaining roster, describing them as “11 strong.”
Conclusion
The friendly match against Taiwan Mustangs served as a crucial step for Gilas Pilipinas in their preparation for the OQT. With upcoming games against Turkey and Poland, the team will continue to refine their strategies and build on their strengths, aiming for a successful campaign in Latvia and a shot at the Olympics in Paris.(Voslot)