After winning its first two matches in New Zealand,
Gilas Pilipinas dropped a close 86-85 decision against a selection of
players from the National Basketball League (NBL) New Zealand yesterday
at the Pettigrew Green Arena in Napier.
The national team, preparing for the FIBA-Asia Championship next
month, played a select team that featured three American reinforcements
in Antoine Tisby, Marcel Jones and Kareem Johnson, as well as former New
Zealand national team member BJ Anthony.
The defeat hardly mattered at all for coach Chot Reyes since it was
just a friendly match, but he was obviously frustrated by the so-so
showing of naturalized center Marcus Douthit.
''Dropped a close one to the NBL Select squad, 86-85. @DouthitMarcus
still struggled, but @japethaguilar35 & d Kraken played great,''
said Reyes through his Twitter account @coachot, referring to Japeth
Aguilar and June Mar Fajardo.
Reyes son, Josh Reyes who is one of the Gilas Pilipinas assistant
coaches, said the Nationals had trouble managing their fouls late in the
game.
''Fell short this time. Controlled most of the game until our bigs
started to foul out or get in foul trouble. Great game though.
#gilaspilipinas,'' said Reyes through his own account on the popular
networking site, @josh_reyes.
''This NBL selection is really big. We'll be in for a tough battle. Nice!,'' Reyes said prior to the game.
Gilas Pilipinas won its first two games, both against the Hawks Bay,
82-78 last Thursday and 73-70 last Friday. The national team will still
play three more games, including one against the 'Tall Blacks' or the
national team of New Zealand.
The FIBA-Asia Championship, which serves as the qualifying tournament
with the top three countries earning berths in the World Championship
next year in Spain, is set Aug. 1 to 11 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in
Pasay City.
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