GILAS PILIPINAS REPEATS OVER LITHUANIA 20-U SIDE
At the conclusion of its 10-day clinic under Lithuanian coach Kestutis Kemzura, Gilas Pilipinas humbled the Lithuanian 20-under team, 88-84, one more time Thursday night at Svyturio Arena in Klaipeda City.
Gilas overcame the Lithuanian young men’s team in a rugged match for a repeat of the Filipinos’ 83-75 triumph in their previous faceoff Tuesday.
The Phl training pool plays two more game before closing its Lithuanian camp and returning home with only a month and a half to go before the start of the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship.
“Instead of 1, were playing 2 more games to simulate d 3 straight game sked of FIBA. So total of 7 games here,” said Gilas coach Chot Reyes on his Twitter account.
The Filipinos try to get back at LSU-Baltai Friday then try to repeat versus Birstono Jazz-Diremta Saturday. They fly back to Manila Sunday.
Obviously, Gilas is improving by the day in Lithuania.
“Repeated over 20-under Lithuanian NT in a physically intense match, 84-88. Rested Ping (Marc Pingris) who’s nursing a strained shoulder. 7 TOs (turnovers) only,” tweeted Reyes.
The Gilas mentor also mentioned their 41-percent three-point shooting and 24 assists against the Lithuanian 20-U team.
The Lithuanians offered a tougher challenge in this game but the Filipinos again stood their ground and thus made it 4-1 in their series of tune-up games against Lithuanian teams.
Marcus Douthit scattered 27 points with Gary David and Ranidel de Ocampo chipping in 18 and 12, respectively.
Assistant coach Josh Reyes said the Lithuanian team fought with a greater resolve after being hit badly by the local media in losing the previous match.
“Strong and spirited start by LTu20. Good thing we managed to adjust and get the win,” the younger Reyes said on his own Twitter page.
Meanwhile, the Gilas coaches and players were all grateful to the valuable lessons learned from Kemzura.
“Pretty sad to part ways w Coach K. Last practice this am (Wednesday) as he has a busy sked. Thx for d 10 days. Learned a LOT!,” said Reyes.
“Always an honor to learn from a great mind and a legendary coach here in Lithuania. Thanks Coach K,” said Jimmy Alapag.
“We were lucky enough to get 10 days of training and lessons from one of the best in the business. (Not the city…but the world,” said Gabe Norwood.
Kemzura is a great basketball mind, steering Lithuania to third-place finish in the 2010 world joust in Turkey. (SB)
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