Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes was left to ponder on things his team needs to improve ahead of the home-and-away qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup after absorbing an 81-76 loss to Alab Pilipinas in a tune-up game yesterday at the Meralco gym.
The Nationals were outplayed in the fourth quarter by a determined Alab team using the occasion as preparation for the upcoming ASEAN Basketball League season to drop their first scrimmage before taking on Japan on Nov. 24 in Tokyo.
“Well we sucked big time. If we play like this we better not even go to Japan, we have no chance,” said Reyes, speaking to reporters for the first time since ordering a no-interview policy for Gilas members last week.
“Credit to Alab, they came in very prepared. They outplayed us, they outfought us, they outhustled us, they outshot us. I can’t think of one positive thing in today’s ballgame,” he added.
The loss came after a brutal stretch that saw Gilas endure twice-a-day practices in hopes of reaching peak form once the first window of the qualifiers begins in the Japanese capital in 12 days.
Gilas is also set to host Taiwan on Nov. 27 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Reyes sounded as if the result showed plenty of things to be desired, considering Gilas played an Alab team that was even missing import Ivan Johnson and Ray Parks Jr. to minor injuries. Reggie Okosa, Alab’s other import, led the way with 21 points.
