After playing only a minute and 13 seconds of action in Gilas’ opening day loss against the Dominican Republic, Kai Sotto finally played significant minutes for the Philippines against Angola in the FIBA Basketball 2023 World Cup on Sunday night.
Despite encountering two early fouls in the first quarter, Sotto logged 19 minutes and 33 seconds. And he nailed all three of his shots to contribute eight points, six rebounds, and one assist against the Black Antelopes.
Regrettably, the former Adelaide 36ers big man’s endeavors were insufficient to propel the Philippines to a crucial victory against Angola.
Instead, Gilas suffered a 70-80 defeat in front of a sold-out crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“I mean, after the first game, especially, one minute lang ako naglaro, tinignan ko talaga kung ano yung ginawa ko sa court, and tinignan ko yung mga pagkukulang ko. And nag-focus lang ako sa mga kaya kong kontrolin,” said Sotto after the game.
“Kaya iniisip ko lang na next game, babawi ako every time na magse-step ako sa court, bibigyan ko ng more trust yung sa coaches ko pag nilaro ako so ayun,” he added.
Gilas’ record dropped to 0-2 in Group A. The team will need to defeat Italy while hoping for Angola to lose to the Dominican Republic, creating a three-way tie that will be resolved through the quotient system.
Sotto expressed his appreciation for the team’s comeback in the fourth quarter, during which they reduced a 16-point deficit (57-73) to a mere five points (68-73) with 1:12 remaining in the game.
The 7-foot-3 center of Hiroshima played a pivotal role in the late 11-0 run. He secured vital rebounds, disrupted shots, and sank two free throws that brought the team within five points.
“I think maganda yung fight back namin. I think, nung first half, dikit lang yung laban tapos yung third quarter, may mga lapses kami, mga turnovers, naka-run sila,” Sotto told members of the press after the loss.
“So medyo nahirapan kami bumalik. Especially sa World Cup, we can’t afford yung mga runs na ganon. So, I think, proud pa din ako sa team namin.
“Yung fight back namin nung last few minutes, I’m proud of the team’s effort tonight. Kailangan lang talaga bumawi next game. Tignan namin kung ano yung pagkukulang namin dito and then we’ll bounce back,” he ended.
