GILAS PILIPINAS SWEEPS PAST HAWKE’S BAY HAWKS
Gilas Pilipinas scored back-to-back close wins over the Hawke’s Bay Hawks to start its six tune-up series in New Zealand.
The Nationals pulled off an 82-78 victory in the first game Friday then repeated with a 73-70 triumph Saturday shortly after hearing the FIBA news of Lebanon’s indefinite suspension from the FIBA rolls.
“Not too worried about Lebanon’s suspension coz we’re too focused on ourselves 1st,” said Gilas coach Chot Reyes on his Twitter account.
Struggling with bad outside shooting, the Filipinos turned on defense, beating the Kiwis on a defensive battle Saturday.
On Friday, Gilas Pilipinas rode on a key spurt in the second half to fashion out the four-point win over the club team handled by renowned coach Tab Baldwin.
“Bit out of sync but good first win,” Gilas assistant coach Josh Reyes posted on his own Twitter account.
The Nationals close their five-day clinic under Baldwin Sunday then play the NBL All Stars in their farewell game in Napier City before hopping over to Wellington.
In simulation to the schedule of the FIBA Asia preliminaries, Gilas Pilipinas takes a break Monday then play three straight games again.
They tackle the Wellington Saints Tuesday, the Auckland Rangers Wednesday and the Tall Blacks (the New Zealand national team) Thursday.
They return to Manila on July 19 with 12 days to go before the start of the 27th FIBA Asia Championship at the MOA Arena in Pasay and Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. (SB)
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