GAME TOMORROW
(King Abdullah Sports City)
12 a.m. – Saudi Arabia vs. Philippines
JUST when Gilas Pilipinas was counted out after two disappointing losses in the group phase, coach Tim Cone and his charges summoned a familiar and time and tested battle cry—never-say-die.
True enough, the Filipino dribblers lived up to that famous mantra of Cone and his PBA team Ginebra. The result?
They lived to fight another day.
“It was a tough one because both teams were really desperate for a win because we were both 0-2 and both looking to advance. So, there was a lot of desperation in that basketball game,” Cone said. “I thought both teams came out and played tremendously hard. They hit some shots early in the game and jumped out on us and certainly worried us, but we were able to get back into the tie at halftime.
“So, we’re happy to be moving on. We know the road is going to be tough. We know that we picked a tougher road to go but we’re ready to accept that challenge,” he added.
Cone spoke after the Nationals fashioned out a 66-57 victory over Iraq last Saturday to reach the qualification for the quarterfinals in the FIBA Asia Cup at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
With its back against the wall, Gilas stopped the bleeding after two setbacks in Group D at the hands of Chinese Taipei (87-95) and New Zealand (86-94) and forged a one-time tiff against the host, Saudi Arabia, early tomorrow at the majestic venue.
The Philippine five wound up with a 1-2 mark in pool play for No. 3 that set up a win-or-go-home game against Group C’s No. 2-ranked quintet.
The victor of the Philippines’ clash with the Saudis will advance to the Last Eight opposite mighty Australia in the Aug. 5 to 17 continental cage extravaganza formerly known as the ABC Championship and FIBA Asia Championship.
Six-foot-5 wingman Dwight Ramos carried Gilas on his shoulders with 21 points on three triples, six rebounds, and two assists.
Big man AJ Edu chimed in nine markers, seven boards, three steals, and two blocks while naturalized star Justin Brownlee and reigning eight-time pro league MVP June Mar Fajardo combined for 14.
Gilas forward Calvin Oftana is doubtful for tomorrow due a right ankle sprain.
“Our team just doesn’t quit. We just keep coming and back home, we call it the never-say-die attitude, we have that,” Cone said.
“I think that’s very evident on this team. We hope that that will be the one that’ll get us forward.”
But promptly dictating the tempo and not having to battle back from a deep hole will surely be a better showing and will give Gilas a fighting chance.
