Although it was not the result Filipinos wanted, Gilas Pilipinas forward Marc Pingris said he is still proud of the national team for putting up a gallant fight against world no. 5 France.
Gilas lost to France, 93-84, in the opening day of the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila, Philippines but the home side pushed the Les Bleus to the limit for most of the first half.
Gilas took a 28-18 lead in the first quarter through 14 first quarter points from Andray Blatche, before France buckled down to work to overcome the deficit.
A late run behind Tony Parker (21 points) and Nando De Colo (27 points) gave France a 45-43 halftime lead. France then took control of the second half to take the win in Group B.
“Proud pa rin, masaya pa rin na nabigyan natin ng laban yung number five sa buong mundo. Naramdaman din nila kung gaano kabangis din ang Gilas pero yun nga lang, yung third quarter na naman, doon na naman ulit tayo kumbaga nalamangan,” Pingris said.
“Sinabi ni coach kanina, dapat pagpasok, hundred percent, ibigay niyo ulit. Pero, ganon talaga basketball. Adjust na lang tomorrow kailangan makabawi.”
France shot 54 percent from the field, compared to only 41 percent for Gilas. The European powerhouse also had seven more assists than Gilas, 18-11.
Pingris said that after Gilas went on a dream start in the first quarter, he was optimistic about the squad’s chances.
Pingris said he is still proud of Gilas even after the 93-84 loss to France: pic.twitter.com/MvT8Fpzd2N
— LVJ (@levijoshua) July 5, 2016
“Sabi ko kayang kaya natin sa first quarter. Huwag lang tayo bibitaw. Kayang kaya natin kasi yung speed natin, hindi talaga nila kaya. Alam ko matatangkad sila pero lagi ko sinasabi yung speed natin hindi natin kaya. Ganoon talaga, siguro napagaralan nila, nakabawi sila sa third quarter,” Pingris.
Even with the loss, though, Pingris said Gilas’ performance will help them gain even more respect in the international scene.
Pingris talks Duterte, Gilas gaining respect against France, New Zealand game: pic.twitter.com/mCkFUdbuEN
— LVJ (@levijoshua) July 5, 2016
“Magandang simula to. Ngayon masasabi nila na hindi talaga tayo madaling talunin. Hindi tayo basta-bastang kalaban. Kahit maliliit tayo, malalaki naman mga puso natin. Ganun tayo. Basketball, mahal natin yun to eh,” Pingris said, adding he believes Gilas got in the nerves of France.
“Hindi lang sila (New Zealand) eh, pati yung France, napakaba natin, kahit papano.”
Pingris said Gilas will now need to focus on the game against New Zealand, which is virtually a do-or-die match. He also does not want Gilas to be complacent, thinking that if they had pushed France, it would be easier against New Zealand.
“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,” Pingris said.
“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.”
