Bolts bow to Gilas five in tune-up match

MANILA, Philippines - The Meralco Bolts are back in training, helping Gilas Pilipinas in its FIBA Asia Championship buildup while they’re gearing up for a three-game exhibition series versus the Japanese national team in the Japanese cities of Sendai and Tokyo.

Reinforced by import Chris Blake and some members of the Phl cadet team, the Bolts warmed up for their Japan journey playing Gilas Pilipinas in a tune-up game Tuesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Marcus Douthit and his teammates simply imposed their advantage in height and quickness against the Bolts, pulling off an easy 94-74 win.

A little over a month before the start of the Asian joust, the Nationals have stepped up their training, starting twice-a-day training session Monday.

Though still in the process of shaking off rustiness from a long break, the Bolts will fly to Japan, honoring the country’s commitment to play the Japanese team in a fund-raising series for the benefit of victims of the recent killer earthquake that hit the progressive country.

Originally, Gilas Pilipinas was to play the Japanese series. Gilas officials, however, adjusted their schedule, dropping the Japanese event from their itinerary after seeing the result of the FIBA Asia draw.

Instead, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas is sending the Meralco Bolts reinforced by Gilas cadet players Garvo Lanete, Kevin Alas and Ronald Pascual.

Another reinforcement is Blake who’s trying out to be Meralco’s import for the season-ending PBA Governors Cup set to start Aug. 14.