MANILA, Philippines — Removed from very best however getting there.
A listless efficiency within the first half and a fiery exhibiting within the second marked Gilas Pilipinas’ 103-98 come-from-behind victory over the Macau Bears Monday in a testy heat up forward of its FIBA Asia Cup mission.
A lot work continues to be wanted from hereon however the Nationals are assured of hitting prime type in time for the gold-medal mission within the Aug. 5-17 continental meet.
“I actually like our possibilities. The crew has been having actually nice practices. As you noticed (towards Macau), I believe the second half is extra how we need to play, particularly on the defensive finish,” stated Justin Brownlee, who exploded for a game-high 32 factors spiked by a 5-of-7 taking pictures from three-point vary in Gilas’ fightback from 21 down versus import-laden Macau.
“And yeah, it’s been a extremely nice couple of weeks for us. All people’s getting extra snug with one another, the chemistry has been actually nice. So I’m simply excited total for the entire expertise and I can’t wait to see how we do on the market.”
Brownlee and Co. depart for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia right this moment to proceed their pre-tournament buildup there. They’re slated to face Jordan on Saturday in a tuneup, although Rondae Hollis-Jefferson received’t be beefing up their outdated rival.
Coach Tim Cone stated after taking a breather towards the Bears, June Mar Fajardo is predicted to hitch the scrimmages in Jeddah. However Calvin Oftana, he reported, is “uncertain” due the ankle sprain he sustained throughout the PBA Philippine Cup finals.
“We got a medical report from his camp and we’re unsure if he’s going to be accessible for the entire match. We’re going to attempt to deal with that (within the coming days). And we acquired Troy (Rosario) and RJ (Abarrientos) sitting on the wings to step in if vital,” stated Cone.
The Nationals will kick off their Asia Cup marketing campaign in Group D towards Chinese language-Taipei on Aug. 6 earlier than taking up New Zealand the subsequent day and Iraq on Aug. 9.
