TWO-ZERO.
That’s the aim of Gilas Pilipinas as it shoots for a second straight win when it takea on Chinese Taipei in its continued quest in the home-and-away FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
Back in their home soil, the Nationals go for another victory as they take on Chinese Taipei at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in a home game.
This comes just three days after Gilas Pilipinas carved out a 77-71 triumph over Japan in its away game Friday night at Komazawa Olympic Park General Sports Gymnasium in Tokyo.
Even with the nice start, National coach Chot Reyes still wasn’t fully pleased with his squad as it blew a double-digit lead before holding on against the Japanese chargers.
He hopes that his wards can outperform themselves against the Taiwanese cagers.
“We got the win against Japan but we weren’t satisfied with how we closed it out. Against Chinese Taipei, we have a good chance but we need to fix the things we need to and continue learning,” said Reyes.
As steady as he is at the point, Jayson Castro led the charge for the Philippines against Japan, finishing with a game-high 20 points.
While Gilas got the result it wanted in its first outing, the same can’t be said of Chinese Taipei.
Chinese Taipei wasn’t fortunate enough in its first game as it got manhandled by powerhouse Australia, 104-66, in Taiwan.
Currently, Gilas and Australia, teams bound to play in February, are the leaders in Group B with 1-0 slates.
Chinese Taipei will be led by its naturalized import Quincy Davis, who is set to go toe-to-toe with Gilas’ own naturalized reinforcement Andray Blatche.
Gilas PH scrapes past Japan in Fiba qualifier
In the game against Japan last Friday, the nationals banked on the heroics of ever reliable Castro, who scored five of Gilas’ last seven points to help the team snare the scrambling win.
Gilas looked like it had a firm grip of the game as it led by 23-10 early, only to lose the lead to the Japanese’ patient plays.
The Philippines cut loose again at 70-60, but Japan’s 9-2 run put the hosts to within 69-72.
Castro then answered with a three-pointer, while Roger Pogoy settled the issue with a layup as Gilas stormed to a 77-69 lead, with less than 30 seconds left.
Coach Chot Reyes hopes the team will do better when it faces Chinese Taipei Monday.