IT WAS a stinging loss to mighty Australia that left Gilas Pilipinas with a sense of letting its adoring supporters down.
Now the Nationals intend to make use of it as fuel heading to the following big battle in July.
The Pinoy dribblers got a harsh reality check in the shape of a 93-66 beating on Sunday night at a packed SM MOA Arena, unable to maintain in keeping with the charging Boomers within the second half, 55-33, after staying at a manageable five-point deficit in the primary 20 minutes.
With this, they reeled to a 0-2 output showing within the second window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers after falling short on Feb. 26 in a fighting 66-69 loss to Recent Zealand (NZ).
“It was painful, especially at home. We had higher hopes and it didn’t work out for us. But, you realize, we’re going to sit up for July,” said coach Tim Cone.
The July window gives Gilas (2-2 overall) a likelihood at atonement against Australia (4-0) and NZ (2-2). However the task gets exponentially harder as it might each be played on the two powerhouses’ home courts.
“It’s so honorable to play and be with this team. And just having that chance is implausible. So after we come back together in July, it’s at all times going to be a special thing. And I believe we’re going to return back with renewed fire.”
Such fire may have to return with numerous learning, especially improved scheming in organising Justin Brownlee (JB) and the Gilas gunners for quality shots after practically firing blanks within the twin losses at home.
“It’s back to the drafting board for me just a little bit. I believe we’re going to must look just a little bit at our offense and possibly attempt to simplify things just a little more,” said Mr. Cone.
“But, you realize, for a game and a half, I couldn’t have been more proud about our defense. And that was certainly one of the things we actually desired to correct coming into this window. You see, the moment you don’t defend, the sport can get away from you in a rush. And that’s exactly what happened to us in that second half (against Australia).”
Mr. Brownlee, who had his worst scoring game versus NZ (4 points) but rebounded with a 20-point outburst against the Boomers, expects the squad to emerge from this episode wiser.
“I believe this window definitely gave us plenty of experience fidgeting with teams like Recent Zealand and Australia. They provide you with that top level. These two are a few of the most effective teams worldwide,” JB said.
“I appreciate the experience identical to of course the entire team did and the coaching staff and the entire program. Hopefully, we are going to recover from it,” he added.
Notes: The primary Philippine-Australia match within the country for the reason that ugly brawl of 2018 in Bocaue went about easily, proving that the 2 sides have each moved on from the incident and are actually having fun with a harmonious relationship. Post-game, the Nationals and the Boomers posed together for photos at center to applause from the gang. Filipino fans also cheered and offered high fives to the Aussies as they made their method to the dugout. — Olmin Leyba