MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas bought off to a fumbling begin within the FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, dropping an 87-95 setback to outdated tormentor Chinese language-Taipei Tuesday night time (early yesterday Manila time).
However the Nationals received’t let this deflate their spirits or diminish their perception of their functionality to nonetheless go all the way in which.
“We felt that coming in, we might have an opportunity to go far and this has made a giant roadblock for us up right here. That’s one thing now we have to beat. If now we have to return by the loser’s bracket, then we’ll strive to do this,” stated coach Tim Cone.
After the loss, Gilas discovered itself operating third in Group D with one level and -8 differential behind New Zealand (two factors and +22) and the Taiwanese (two factors and +8). Iraq introduced up the rear with one level and -22.
Per competitors guidelines, the group winner will acquire a direct entry into the quarterfinals whereas the second and third-ranked squads will transfer to the playoff matches for the remaining Final 8 tickets.
Cone’s troops now have to choose themselves up shortly with the NZ Tall Blacks up subsequent Thursday at 6 p.m. on the King Abdullah Sports activities Metropolis (11 p.m. in Manila). The Kiwis flexed their muscle groups in a 100-78 demolition of Iraq on opening day.
“We will really feel dangerous about this one as a lot as we wish, we are able to cry about it even, however the backside line is we bought New Zealand arising and we bought to prepare for them. This crew has proven a number of bounce-back previously and I believe now we have a very good probability of popping out and enjoying a greater, higher recreation our subsequent trip,” he stated.
In a listless opening, Cone and Co. trailed early, 8-25, and Chinese language-Taipei, led by the sweet-shooting Ying-Chun Chen (34 factors on 6-of-8 three-point clip) and seven-foot Brandon Gilbeck (16-9), stored them at bay the remainder of the way in which.
Justin Brownlee shot 19 with seven rebounds earlier than fouling out within the fourth. Kevin Quiambao rifled in 17, main the fourth-quarter fightback that put Gilas to as shut as 4 earlier than the Taiwanese extinguished the risk for good.