[skidz] FIBA WORLD CUP: CHOT BLAMES SELF FOR FAILING TO SET BETTER ENDGAME SHOTS FOR GILAS MANILA — The Philippines currently owns a winless record in the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Gilas dropped a close 81-78 decision against Croatia on opening day, then succumbed to Greece 82-70, before suffering a heartbreaking 85-81 setback to Argentina. The average losing margin of the Philippines is 6.33. Thats a respectable number that glares moreso once compared to the average losing margin of fellow Asian teams Iran and Korea. But Gilas head coach Chot Reyes has chosen to take the blame on the winnable games against Croatia and Argentina. I have to get better shots for my team, Reyes was quoted as saying after the teams most recent loss. We had a chance to win the Croatia game, we had a chance tonight (against Argentina) but I just couldnt get my players good shots. The Philippine team raced to a great start against Argentina, even bucking the absence of Andray Blatche, who was forced to ride the bench due to foul trouble. In fact, Gilas established a 10-point lead in the games earlygoings without Blatche. This one really hurt because we controlled majority of the first half. But the Argentines found their groove in the second quarter to take control of the drivers seat and lead at halftime 43-38. The ever resilient Gilas team did not back down, standing toe-to-toe with the worlds third ranked team. Luis Scolas booming triple at the 1:30 mark of the third quarter gave Argentina its biggest lead at 15. Still, the mighty Gilas squad continued to fight. Team captain Jimmy Alapag led the uprising as he exploded for 15 second half points, allowing Gilas to inch closer to Argentina. Trailing by just two points with 24.4 seconds remaining and with possession of the ball, Gilas had the chance to go for the win or at least send the game to overtime. Reyes called for a timeout to discuss the final play. But the Argentines did a fine job of denying the Philippines a chance to execute the play designed by Reyes. My only regret in this game is not giving the country a win. I have to be a better coach in the future. With two remaining games on its schedule, the Philippines (0-3) is not totally out of the woods yet. Gilas can still advance to the next round if it wins against Puerto Rico (0-3) and Senegal (2-1), and if Senegal drops its last two games. — Sports Desk Sanjie TOm Belanio sportsdesk.ph/bk/bknews/2014/09/02/fiba-world-cup-chot-blames-self-for-failing-to-set-better-endgame-shots-for-gilas
Posted on: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 03:25:34 +0000
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