MANILA, Philippines - Gilas Pilipinas outclassed the Lithuanian 20-under team anew, 88-84, the day after ending its 10-day clinic under Lithuanian coach Kestutis Kemzura Wednesday at Svyturio Arena in Klaipeda City.
Marcus Douthit scattered 27 points and Gary David poured in 18 as the Filipinos made it two in a row over the Lithuanian young men’s team and improved to 4-1 overall in their series of tune-up matches in this European basketball hotbed.
Gilas coach Chot Reyes acknowledged the improvement of his team in this game, mentioning their 41-percent three-point shooting and 24 assists against only seven turnovers.
“Repeated over 20-under Lithuanian NT in a physically intense match, 88-84. Rested Ping (Marc Pingris) who’s nursing a strained shoulder. 7 TOs (turnovers) only,†said Reyes on his Twitter account.
Assistant coach Josh Reyes said the Lithuanian team was pressured to win after being criticized by the local media in losing the previous match.
“Strong and spirited start by LTu20. Good thing we managed to adjust and get the win,†the younger Reyes said on his own Twitter page.
Ranidel de Ocampo chipped in 12 points while Jimmy Alapag and Jayson Castro added seven apiece for Gilas which struck hard in the middle quarters to overcome a flat start.
The Lithuanians, bringing in this game their top guard, started stronger and took the opening canto at 25-15 before the Filipinos worked their way into the game and surged ahead, 61-57, in the third period.
Gilas played steady to the finish and thus duplicated its 83-75 win over the same opponent Tuesday.
The Filipinos were to play another game versus LSU-Baltai last night then get another crack against Birstono Jazz-Diremta tonight to wrap up their Lithuanian series.
“Instead of 1, we’re playing 2 more games to simulate d 3 straight game sked of FIBA. So total of 7 games here,†Reyes tweeted.
Done was Gilas Pilipinas’ tutorial under Kemzura.
“Pretty sad to part ways w Coach K. Last practice this am (Wednesday) as he has a busy sked. Thx for d 10 days. Learned a LOT!,†said Reyes.
The Gilas players were also grateful to Kemzura, the coach that steered Lithuania to a bronze-medal finish in the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey.
“Always an honor to learn from a great mind and a legendary coach here in Lithuania. Thanks Coach K,†said Jimmy Alapag.
“We were lucky enough to get 10 days of training and lessons from one of the best in the business. (Not the city...but the world,†said Gabe Norwood.