The Philippines’ Gilas Pilipinas is scheduled for a head-to-head game against the Vietnam National Basketball Team at 7:00 P.M. on May 17, 2017 in Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Gilas Pilipinas gets closer and closer on achieving the ticket going to the FIBA Asia and today they need to secure another win against Vietnam national basketball team.
After getting their one day rest, Gilas appeared a bit rusty when they faced Thailand yesterday.
The combination of Fajardo, Blatche, Pogoy, William (Jayson Castro) and Maliksi didn’t went well for coach Chot Reyes.
In the previous games of team Philippines, usually they started its barrage during the first quarter but the Thais came in well prepared and the host nation only piled four-point lead after the last buzzer has sounded of the opening period.
Due to the depth of talent in Gilas lineup, coach Reyes come-up with a new combination and this time its more on speed. He puts in Aguilar, Romeo, Abueva, Wright and Rosario to the court and the needed offense followed.
The second quarter was the spark for Gilas and created a commanding lead. They only allowed Thailand to score 12 points in that quarter.
The Gilas run was anchored by Barangay Ginebra’s forward Japeth Aguilar who woke up the fans inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum as well as his teammates.
Without a doubt Gilas has seen a real test in Thailand and that was already anticipated by coach Chot Reyes before entering the game.
“We talked about it before the game. My first word in the pre-game was that we’ll be tested. Thailand is playing very well, long and athletic and is well coached. They do a great job packing the lane and they used their size to defend the shooters,” said Gilas coach Chot Reyes.
Japeth Aguilar finished the game with 29 points, 5 rebounds and a couple of blocks. He also shoots a perfect 10-of-10 from the field which includes one three-pointer.
Alaska’s “the Beast”, Calvin Abueva continue his beast mode as he chipped in with his 22 points.
Also prior to the Gilas vs Vietnam match is the Myanmar vs Indonesia scheduled at 3:00 P.M. followed by Singapore and Thailand at 5:00 P.M.
2017 SEABA Championships Replay: Gilas Pilipinas vs Vietnam
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