Games Today
SM Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City
6:30pm – Canada (1-0) vs. Senegal (Group A)
9:00pm – Philippines (0-1) vs. New Zealand (Group B)
The moment France received loud boos when the European powerhouse stepped on the Mall of Asia Arena floor, the team knew it will have a hard time winning against Gilas Pilipinas in the Philippines’ home turf.
As expected, the home crowd at the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila, gave the Philippines an added edge. While the thousands did acknowledge the greatness of the likes of Tony Parker and Boris Diaw by applauding when their names were introduced, the partisan crowd also went to business right after the opening tip.
The humongous crowd got rowdy every time France got hold of the ball. Just the sight of thousands booing Parker or Diaw or Nando De Colo felt unreal. But they did it as a sign of respect, knowing how capable those European greats are.
For the home side, the rambunctious Filipino fans roared after every rebound, every crossover move, every defensive stop, and every basket made. Gilas got the dream start they wanted, and it got even more deafening inside the venue.
But France, the no. 5-ranked team in the world, stayed composed and asserted control in the second half to steal the win. Still, Gilas received a standing ovation for their efforts.
The French players admitted that Gilas gave them everything they could handle.
Nando De Colo on game against Gilas: pic.twitter.com/ioV3hYS2hH
— LVJ (@levijoshua) July 5, 2016
“It was a tough game. We know that before the game. They are going to play with a lot of energy, which they did. But when we started to play together, to be more aggressive on defense, it was much better. The most important is the win, and now we have to keep working,” De Colo said, speaking highly of the Philippines’ one-on-one play.
“They’re good individually, and it makes a difference. When you try to play one-on-one, they are good players. But when we start to play together, it’s a different game.”
It is do or die now for the Filipinos against New Zealand on Wednesday. While carrying momentum from a valiant effort against France, the home side does not want to get complacent.
Pingris talks Duterte, Gilas gaining respect against France, New Zealand game: pic.twitter.com/mCkFUdbuEN
— LVJ (@levijoshua) July 5, 2016
“Iiwanan namin tong larong to, kailangan namin magfocus bukas. Hindi pwedeng ah, kaya namin France, bukas, Baka mabaliktad naman tayo eh. So kailangan pa rin magtrabaho. Viewing bukas, shootaround, then adjust mga kailangan i-adjust,” Marc Pingris said yesterday.
READ MORE >> PINGRIS PROUD OF GILAS’ GALLANT STAND AGAINST FRANCE
“Bawasan namin yung mga error, mga pass na hindi magaganda, mga one on one. Pero proud pa rin ako talaga. Yun lang ang kailangan namin i-adjust. Kaya namin ‘to.”
But if there is ever a thing that can be picked up from the 93-84 loss to France yesterday, it’s that this is not the time to hate Gilas, or think of the could-have-beens.
It’s time to believe in them even more. If they held their ground against one of the best teams in the world, they can do the same against any other team in the tournament. If the crowd got that crazy after seeing the national team push France to the limit, imagine what could possibly happen if the next game came with a W.
Webster on New Zealand’s Haka
Aside from Gilas’ actual game against New Zealand on Wednesday, many fans anticipate the Tall Blacks’ Haka Dance.
New Zealand star Corey Webster said fans can expect them to perform it, and also opened up about the team’s preparations for the Haka.
READ MORE >> WEBSTER SAYS NZ READY FOR GILAS GAME, HAKA DANCE
Webster, who averaged 19 PPG in the 2015 FIBA Oceanias Championship, is expected to lead the squad against Gilas.
President Duterte graces Gilas-France game
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte graced Gilas’ opener against France, appearing for a ceremonial toss.
READ MORE >> PRESIDENT DUTERTE THROWS CEREMONIAL TIP-OFF
Duterte received raucous chants from the Pinoy faithful when he made his way to center court. Duterte reciprocated by bowing in front of them.
Crowd went wild earlier after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s appearance for Gilas-France: pic.twitter.com/yKxtG4XBDr
— LVJ (@levijoshua) July 5, 2016
He then raised his right fist, supporting Gilas.
Last night’s scores, Highlights, Top Plays
HIGHLIGHTS!
TRISTAN THOMPSON!
CANADA’S EYE IN THE SKY PLAYS!
HIGHLIGHTS!
ROMEO CLUTCH!
ASIA’S FINEST AND HIS BRO TAKE ON TP!
TOP 5 PLAYS OF THE NIGHT
