RP braces for tougher Lebanese in Game 2

Team Philippines tries to sweep its two-game exhibition series with Lebanon tomorrow although the hosts expect a different kind of rivals to show up in the 7 p.m. encounter at the San Juan gym.

The San Miguel Beer-sponsored RP team ran the taller Lebanese side to the ground with a 94-75 rout at the Astrodome Sunday in a game that hardly showed the talent and flair of a team competing in this week’s World Basketball Championship in Saitama, Japan.

Coach Norman Black, who took over for Chot Reyes, put everything in perspective, saying the visiting Lebanese are still trying to feel their way around.

"Our players did what they had to do. They executed well and held their own off the boards against the tall Lebanese," said Black.

But he was also quick to admit that the Lebanese cagers might not have the legs since they came in just the day before all the way from their war-torn country.

Lebanon beat Canada, without Steve Nash, last week, just a day after falling to Slovenia, a former Russian republic.

"But with another two-day rest, I’m sure the Lebanese will recover their energy and give us a good challenge on Wednesday," Black said.

Ren-Ren Ritualo, who scorched the visitors with 23 points including 7-for-16 from behind the arc, is again expected to spark RP team’s offense.

The Filipino had a tentative start but found their rhythm in the second quarter with Ritualo sparking the Team Philippines’ charge that saw the Filipinos’ erase an eight point deficit and storm ahead to 54-43 at halftime.

That embarrassing defeat was definitely not an inspiring tune-up match for the Lebanese, who are here to wind up its buildup for the world championship

And it should hurt them all the more knowing that they were beaten by a team that was hastily assembled for the goodwill games.

 "There is nothing that makes a coach prouder than to learn that his team flourished in his absence. It means the players and coaches understand what true teamwork is about. Congrats!" said Reyes in a text message to assistant coach Djalma Arnedo.

Reyes is currently in Taipei calling the shots for the San Miguel Beermen, who, incidentally, dropped their first two games in the Asian Professional Basketball (APB) tournament in Taiwan.