GILAS PILIPINAS FACES FIRST REAL TEST AGAINST JORDAN
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 15 Jul 2014
Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes says the Philippine team will face its first real test when it plays Jordan today at the 5th FIBA Asia Championships in Wuhan, China.
Reyes told the Manila Standard that Jordan ?is our first real test since we haven?t really played anybody yet.?
He described the Jordan squad which is coached by former Gilas Pilipinas head coach Rajko Toroman as ?a quality team with a quality coach? although they are also missing some players just like the Philippines but they have two seven footers.
After beating Chinese-Taipei in their opening game behind an outstanding performance by Paul Lee of Rain Or Shine, Gilas Pilipinas had a comfortable win over lowly Singapore with a 74-57 win with Lee once again in the spotlight alongside veteran Gary David with both players scoring 10 points apiece followed by big Beau Belga and Kevin Alas who added eight points each.
Just like the game against Chinese-Taipei, the Philippines got off to a sizzling start scoring the first nine points led by David, LA Tenorio and Japeth Aguilar.
David?s five straight points in the second quarter gave the Philippines a 15 point lead 32-17 before ending the half with a 43-31 spread.
Behind a 11-2 blast Gilas Pilipinas opened up a 19 point lead 53-37 in the third stanza which they upped to 22 points at 67-45 in the fourth before the Singaporeans answered with a 10-0 blast of their own that cut the lead to 12 points with just under three minutes remaining.
But the Singapore rally was quickly doused by a three-point play from Lee which once again opened up a 17 point lead by the Filipinos.
Reyes conceded that Paul Lee ?is making a strong case for inclusion in the World Cup team and that?s why he is here.?
Reyes told the Standard ?it's still quite a bit of a struggle because we don?t really have any kind of practice time but the guys are making do with their dedication and eagerness.?
Gilas Pilipinas (74) ? David 10, Lee 10, Alas 8, Belga 8, Lanete 7, Aguilar 7, De Ocampo 6, Fajardo 5, Tenorio 5, Washington 4, Dillinger 4, Douthit 0.
Singapore (57) ? Ng H. 17, Wong 16, Goh 9, Oh 8, Toh 5, Lim 2, Soo D. 0, Soo P. 0, Ng S. 0, Low 0, Ng J. 0, Han.
Quarterscores: 25-14, 43-31, 56-39, 74-57.
Photo: Gary David clenches fist after make a basket as Filipino fans cheer.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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