Gilas beats Iran for fine start in China tourney

Gilas Pilipinas began its campaign in the Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament in style, taking down Iran, 76-65, even in the absence of a naturalized player in the lineup on Thursday, Aug. 3, in Guangdong, China.

Gilas Pilipinas players warm up before their game against Iran. (SBP)The Nationals, who were without key players like Jordan Clarkson, Kai Sotto and Scottie Thompson, proved to be a cut above Iran which fielded its developmental national team in the three-team pocket tournament.

Gilas shrugged off an early resistance from the Iranians in the first half before pulling away for good behind the efforts of RR Pogoy, Calvin Oftana and Jamie Malonzo.

Malonzo topscored for Gilas with 11 points while Dwight Ramos kept the Nationals afloat against the early surge from the much younger Iran with eight of his 10 points coming in during the first six minutes of the game.

Oftana finished with 10 points while AJ Edu, who was tasked to hold the fort in Sotto’s absence, made a good account of himself with nine points and nine rebounds.

Although not playing the usual tall, strong and long Iran team, the game turned out to be just the right challenge Gilas needed especially with its goal of getting used to defending a quick and three-point shooting team ahead of the FIBA 2023 World Cup.

The Filipinos’ performance was also a welcome sight as the chemistry between players appeared to be finally taking its shape. Some defensive lapses and careless turnovers were also the areas seen that Gilas still needed some fine-tuning.

Gilas tries to go for back-to-back wins when it faces off against a tall and athletic Senegal team on Friday – a game that head coach Chot Reyes has been looking forward to as the Nationals also prepare for their matchup against another African team  Angola in the group stage. — Reynald L. Magallon