Gilas Pilipinas captain Japeth Aguilar was the primary to apologize to the record-breaking crowd on the Philippine Arena because the nationwide workforce fell to the Dominican Republic, 87-81, on Friday within the opening day of the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
“They showed up today. Sorry we did not get the job done but we still have hope,” Aguilar advised reporters when requested concerning the new World Cup attendance file at 38, 115.
Philippine head coach Chot Reyes echoed Aguilar’s sentiments.
“It’s such a letdown that we could’ve pulled it off. It could have been a good gift to the record number people who came out.”
Despite the loss, Aguilar remains to be hopeful about Gilas’ possibilities in Group A.
“Hopefully, we’ll get a win,” he added.
Gilas captain Japeth Aguilar on record-breaking crowd on the Philippine Arena: Sorry to disappoint, there’s nonetheless hope.
Check out his ideas concerning the recreation vs Dominican Republic #FIBAWC @gmasportsph @gmanews pic.twitter.com/PODFj3wdhn
— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) August 25, 2023
Aguilar additionally had some optimistic takeaways from their match.
“Our defense probably. The young guys stepped up,” stated the Gilas captain.
The three-time World Cup participant additionally praised younger large man AJ Edu.
“He really showed up this game. Big props to AJ Edu. I keep telling him to keep it up,” he stated.
And for his or her subsequent recreation towards Angola, Aguilar stated, “Quick turnaround, we have one day to prepare. We’re gonna watch the film of Angola so we’re going to prepare for that one.”
The Philippines will face Angola on Sunday, earlier than taking up Italy on Tuesday.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
