The Philippine national men’s basketball team flexed its muscles in the fourth quarter to defeat a selection of PBA stars, 99-87, but coach Chot Reyes said his players’ effort left plenty to be desired. Playing on home soil on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena for the first time since its final lineup for the FIBA Asia Championship was named, the Gilas Pilipinas squad fell behind in the first half, 41-38. That was enough to earn Reyes’ ire. “There was absolutely no excuse for the game we played in the first half,” said Reyes, who called out point guards Jayson Castro and LA Tenorio and forward Marc Pingris after the game. Reyes noted that he benched Castro, touted as the team’s top point guard, for committing five turnovers in the first half. “Our point guards were terrible tonight,” added Reyes, who singled out Gilas team captain Jimmy Alapag for setting the team on the right course. Leading by just four points after three quarters, Gilas went on a 27-4 run in the fourth quarter capped by back-to-back three-pointers from Larry Fonacier and Ranidel De Ocampo to break the game wide open. Gabe Norwood scored 10 points to lead Gilas in the fourth quarter, which saw the team lead by as much as 24 points, 94-70. “There’s no reason for us to play only one good quarter,” said Reyes. “Otherwise, pupulutin tayo sa kangkungan.” Reyes said he hopes this serves as a wakeup call for the national team as the FIBA Asia Championship approaches. “If they don’t perform, they’re gonna be caled out,” said Reyes. “And they’re getting called out now.” The Philippine team will play one more game against the Kazakhstan national team at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum before plunging into action in the Asian championship. “I hope it’s different on Friday,” said Reyes. Admin GT~
Posted on: Wed, 24 Jul 2013 13:35:19 +0000