After suffering their first loss in the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers last Thursday, SMART Gilas Pilipinas will line-up its strong 12 for their home game against Japan on Sunday, February 25. The announcement was made by Gilas head coach Chot Reyes, Saturday afternoon.
The trio of Jayson Castro, Troy Rosario, and Jiovani Jalalon will be back for Gilas.
With the return of the troika, Kevin Alas, Carl Cruz, and Abu Tratter were the cuts for this game.
Completing the line-up are Kiefer Ravena, Matthew Wright, Roger Pogoy, Calvin Abueva, Allein Maliksi, Gabe Norwood, Japeth Aguilar, June Mar Fajardo, and Andray Blatche.
During their first game against Japan, the Philippines eked out a 77-71 victory in Tokyo.
Gilas currently sits at second in Group B with a 2-1 record.