Undermanned Gilas falls to reinforced Jazz in rematch

MANILA, Philippines – The three-straight-game simulation ended in a result much to be desired when Gilas Pilipinas bowed to its earlier victim Birstono Jazz Diremta, 79-86, Saturday night in Svyturio Arena in Klaipeda, Lithuania.   

The Nationals have found success early repeating over Lithuania U-20 team, 88-84, and got back at LSU Baltai, 90-88, in the past two days as part of their simulation experiment of the FIBA Asia daily grind. But they fell short in the last day losing to Jazz Diremta, who reloaded and determined to win the rematch. 

Already missing Marc Pingris with a strained shoulder, Gilas played without Gabe Norwood, who had to fly back to the country earlier to marry his long-time girlfriend Lei Feranil, while Jayson Castro sat out with a bum ankle as the Nationals were out-of-sync in losing to Jazz Diremta, who brought in their import in the rematch.

“We didn’t play Jace (Jayson Castro) and Gabe [left for his wedding] but still no excuse for losing tonight,” Gilas head coach Chot Reyes posted on his Twitter account (@coachot).

Gilas won their previous meeting last week, 81-76, when Jazz Diremta played without their American imports David McClure and Rashaun Broadus.

“Originally not part of the schedule but this team, Jazz Diremta, requested a rematch when we on our game against them,” Gilas assistant coach Josh Reyes posted on his Instagram account before the game. “And yes, they brought them their import in.”

Gilas led at the half 36-30 but Jazz Diremta came out smoking in the second half exploding for 56 points.

Gary David led the Nationals with 25 points on the losing cause while Marcus Douthit and LA Tenorio chipped in 13 apiece. LA Fonacier added nine points for the Nationals, who lost the rebounding department, 33-43.

The Nationals finished their seven-game schedule, originally six, in two weeks with a 5-2 win-loss card. They are expected to back in the country early next week and will resume their daily practice before flying to Las Vegas in July to play some of the NBA summer league teams in lieu of the Jones Cup.