HONG KONG — Angola lamented its inability to keep up with Italy’s pace in its 81-67 defeat on opening day of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
The Angolans managed to keep the game close for the first three quarters, entering the final frame with only a 62-57 deficit. However, coach Pep Claros’ team succumbed to pressure as the Azzurri executed a 14-5 run to secure the victory.
“When you face a team that is better than you — as we all know, recognize, and accept — it’s clear that the only option you have to win is to give more: to give extra effort, play harder, and never give up,” said Claros.
“I’m having trouble understanding the last four minutes, I don’t understand the final possession. I want to believe that maybe, just maybe, three teams will be tied with one win. So why not take a shot in the final possessions? I don’t understand. This isn’t the NBA. This is serious basketball.”
Claros’ sentiments were echoed by his power forward, Antonio Monteiro, who contributed six points and two rebounds in 11 minutes and 50 seconds of play. While the way the game unfolded is a moral victory for the Time Nacional, results rather than performances matter in the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Angola’s next crucial step is to build on this performance when facing the host nation, the Philippines, this Sunday. To defeat Gilas on its home court, they’ll need another similar performance.
“Actually, I think we competed very well. For the first three quarters, we competed at a high level. Unfortunately, Italy played better in the final quarter. We need to carry this level of play into the next games and not let our heads drop, as we play again in two days. We need to come back stronger for the next game,” said Monteiro.
“We must grasp that this competition is different from what we’re used to. It’s not like the African competitions we usually play. This is a high-level competition. We need to perform well not only for three quarters, but for all four quarters.”
“We need to play all four quarters excellently against these teams. I believe our lack of experience among some players led to our poor performance in the last quarter, but we’re determined to improve.”
A silver lining for Angola is that this outcome demonstrates their improvement compared to the previous World Cup. Four years ago in China, they lost to Italy by 92-61. The Time Nacional are making progress, and with consistent efforts, they could become a more formidable team in the future.
“I cannot comment on what happened four years ago. I’m certain that the Angolan national team back then did their best, and if they lost by 33 points, that’s how it goes. It’s something we can’t change,” said Claros.
“What I’m saying is that in our case, eight or nine players from this national team will still be around in eight years, maybe even 10 years. We have players aged 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 23, 23, 24, 25,” he continued.
“I’m telling you that in eight years, if these guys continue to develop and gain this kind of experience, Angola might one day defeat a team like Italy.”
