Credits to the owner
Gilas Pilipinas opened their series of friendly matches with a resounding victory over the visiting Taiwan Mustangs, setting the stage for their preparation towards the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Riga, Latvia. Despite missing key players, the Nationals secured a wire-to-wire 74-64 win in a spirited encounter at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Monday.
Coach Tim Cone emphasized that the focus was not merely on the outcome but on refining their gameplay. “We wanted to play a certain style. And I think they did a really good job of throwing a lot of jump defense at us—things that we haven’t been prepared for because we’ve only been practicing for three days,” Cone remarked amidst the post-game celebration.
Facing challenges from the formidable presence of Sam Deguara, standing at 7-foot-6, and the experience of Alex Cabagnot, Taiwan Mustangs pushed Gilas to maintain their lead throughout the game. Despite Taiwan’s efforts to narrow the gap, Gilas managed to hold their ground with key performances from Dwight Ramos, who led with 19 points, and Justin Brownlee contributing 12 points and 15 rebounds.
Reflecting on the game, Cone acknowledged areas for improvement. “We’re not where we want to be yet, but that’s why we have these games. We have to be better,” he emphasized, pointing out the team’s need to elevate their performance as they head into more friendlies and ultimately the OQT.
Next, Gilas Pilipinas will face Turkey’s national team before heading to Latvia, where they will compete against higher-ranked nations like Latvia and Georgia. The tournament in Riga offers Gilas a chance to secure a spot in the Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France, completing a rigorous qualification process.
Among the standout performances, June Mar Fajardo contributed eight points, while Japeth Aguilar added six points off the bench. Mason Amos, recently brought into the team, contributed three points in a collective effort that showcased Gilas’ depth despite missing key players like Scottie Thompson.
Cone also expressed missing Thompson’s influence on the court, highlighting his absence due to injury. “I do really, really miss 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 lamented, underscoring Thompson’s integral role in the team’s dynamic.
As Gilas Pilipinas continues their journey towards Olympic qualification, the victory against Taiwan Mustangs marks a promising start, fueling optimism among fans and players alike as they prepare for the challenges ahead on the international stage.
