By REYNALD MAGALLON
Against Iran’s developmental national team, there was no need for Jordan Clarkson and Scottie Thompson for Gilas Pilipinas. And even Kai Sotto.
The Nationals needed just a little warm up to coast to a 76-65 win over a young Iranian squad in the Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament on Thursday, Aug. 3 in Guangdong, China.
There was resistance from the Iranians in the first half, but through the efforts of RR Pogoy, AJ Edu, Calvin Oftana and Jamie Malonzo, the Nationals finally took control of the game and went on to win the first game of the three-team tournament.
Malonzo top scored for Gilas with 11 points while Dwight Ramos who kept the Nationals afloat against Iran’s early surge with eight of his 10 points coming in during the first six minutes of the game.
Oftana finished with 10 points while Edu, tasked to hold the fort in Sotto’s absence, made a good account of himself with 9 points and 9 rebounds.
Although not playing the usual tall, strong and long Iran team, the game turned out to be just the right challenge Gilas needed especially with its goal of getting used to defending a quick and three-point shooting team ahead of the FIBA 2023 World Cup.
The Filipinos’ performance was also a welcome sight as the chemistry between players appeared to be finally taking its shape. Some defensive lapses and careless turnovers were also the areas that Gilas still needs some fine tuning.
Gilas tries to go for back-to-back win when it faces off against a tall and athletic Senegal team on Friday – a game that head coach Chot Reyes has been looking forward to as the Nationals also prepare for its group stage matchup against another African team in Angola in the group stage.
