PHNOM PENH — Gilas Pilipinas needed to play catch-up nearly all recreation lengthy in opposition to reigning gold medalist Indonesia of their all-important semifinals duel on Monday within the thirty second SEA Games in Cambodia.
But a late turnaround steered the nationals to a hard-fought 84-76 victory to dethrone Indonesia and arrange a rematch in opposition to group stage tormentor Cambodia as the 2 battle for glory within the biennial meet.
And head coach Chot Reyes mentioned it was simply their grit that led to the comeback win.
“First of all, credit to the players for sticking with it. They didn’t give up,” Reyes instructed the media.
“Indonesia’s a hell of a team, man. They’re a real team. They got together for a long time, they know each other very well, and their system is very fluid. But like I’ve said, we just pay tribute to the guys for their grit and for not giving up.”
“[It was] just grit on our part.”
The job, although, is not completed but for the FIlipinos. They can be going through a Cambodian workforce strengthened by naturalized gamers that is hungry to cop its first-ever SEAG 5-on-5 basketball gold medal in historical past.
With only a quick interval of preparation, Reyes careworn they should have the gamers’ our bodies recovered because the hosts are fielding 5 naturalized gamers led by Darrin Dorsey and Brandon Peterson, who confirmed the way in which for them within the 76-66 win over Thailand earlier.
“The first thing is recovery. We have to rest, recover well, and then hit the film,” Reyes added.
“We’re going to spend another sleepless night, the coaching staff, to prepare the guys tomorrow. And then see what we can do. But we all know how strong Cambodia is. But like I’ve said, give ourselves a chance.”
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
