HONG KONG — Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes felt despondent after witnessing his team being upset by Angola, 80-70, in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Expectations and hopes were high that the host nation could secure its first win in this tournament following its spirited debut against the Karl-Anthony Towns-led Dominican Republic last Friday.
RR Pogoy’s jumper at the 7:25 mark of the second quarter granted Gilas its largest lead of the game at 28-17. However, the home side failed to maintain its momentum and was left to lament a stunning defeat in front of 12,784 fans.
“We did get off to a nice lead early, but we knew that Angola was going to make a comeback,” said Reyes.
“We just got hammered on the boards. We gave up 20 offensive rebounds to the other team, and ultimately, that was the story. I thought we took care of the ball much better tonight. We just couldn’t make shots — shooting 18-percent from three points won’t cut it. We only made four out of 22 three-point attempts. We held them to below 40-percent field goal shooting, but you know, basketball is a game of points, and if you can’t score enough points, it’s hard to win,” he continued.
“Like Kiefer (Ravena) said, we just need to focus on the next game. The objective is to qualify for the Olympics. No matter how slim that hope may be, it’s still alive. We need to keep our heads up and find a way to perform at our best in the upcoming game.”
Qualifying for the 2024 Summer Olympics was the goal assigned to Gilas for this World Cup. Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio mentioned that the team aimed to win at least two games during its campaign.
However, the current situation is far from what Reyes, Panlilio, and their fellow decision-makers envisioned. As it stands, it’s Japan that will advance to France next year after its 98-88 victory over Finland in Okinawa.
With one more group stage game remaining for both nations, the Filipinos will need certain circumstances to align for them to secure a spot in next year’s major event.
(C) FIBA.basketball
“We hope Japan loses its last game and we win our last game, then it’s all tied. I don’t know how they’re going to resolve that tie, but in the end, I think it will depend on the other games. It’s not going to be in our hands,” explained the Ateneo de Manila University alumnus.
“The only thing within our control right now is the next game. We can’t concern ourselves with the other events taking place.”
Up next for Gilas is a matchup with Italy this Tuesday. The Azzurri themselves are eager to rebound after their 87-82 loss to the Dominican Republic.
A victory would be crucial for the Philippines not only to move past two demoralizing defeats but also to reignite the hopes of the nation.
“We focus on what’s within our control. There’s a game to be played on Tuesday, and we’re going to come out and prepare as best as we can to face a top 10 team — Italy. That’s all we can do right now,” stated Reyes.
“Like I said, whatever is happening with the other teams is beyond our control. We can only focus on what’s within our control at the moment.”
