Behind close door tune-up match, the Meralco Bolts gave Gilas Pilipinas a test prior to the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers. The national team defeated the reigning PBA Philippine Cup champion Meralco despite having been formed only a few days ago.
Both sides played undermanned, but nonetheless the national team of coach Tim Cone prevailed in the game, 96-82, played at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna.
Gilas played minus the injured AJ Edu and Jamie Malonzo, along with Calvin Oftana.
Meralco, meanwhile, was without Allein Maliksi, CJ Cansino, Brandon Bates, and DJ Kennedy, the team’s other import in the East Asia Super League.
Naturalized player Ange Kouame, who also plays for Meralco in the EASL, suited up for the Bolts along with Commissioner’s Cup import Akil Mitchell to simulate the expected bigs New Zealand and Hong Kong are going to field for the 21 and 24 November games at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Meralco coach Luigi Trillo noted the Gilas starters carried most of the load, as the second unit struggled to find its rhythm.
"Their starters played well particularly (Justin) Brownlee, Dwight Ramos, and Kai Sotto. The new guys struggled a bit, but that is expected," said Trillo.
The national team led by as many as 16, but Meralco managed to level the count twice.
"The young group of Kai, KQ (Kevin Quiambao), and (Mason) Amos was where we came back I think," Trillo said. "The newer guys are still trying to fit into the system, but they’re coming along."
The world No. 22 Tall Blacks are currently tied with Gilas in Group B on similar 2-0 records and pose the biggest challenge to the Filipinos in their bracket.
No comments:
Post a Comment