Chot hopes Gilas to bounce back after big setback

MANILA, Philippines – Twenty four hours after a solid showing against Eurobasket champion France, Gilas Pilipinas ran out of gas against world’s no. 9 Australian Boomers in a 97-75 loss in the 2014 Antibes International Basketball Tournament at Azur Arena in Antibes, France.

The 22-point loss was a big letdown after giving world’s no. 8 France a big scare the day earlier before losing poise down the stretch in a 75-68 loss.

Gilas, this time, ran into a bigger and sharper Australian team, which shot 52 percent from the field, including 9-of-21 from the long distance.

The Boomers waxed hot early zooming to a 16-6 lead that set the tone for the game. The Aussies imposed their height and deft passing early on to keep the Filipinos at bay.

Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes quickly sued for time and tried to fire up the team. He was heard imploring the Gilas boys to attack the bigger opponents and even told them they looked scared on the floor against the Australian team, whose average height is 6-7. 

It woke the team up as Gilas came within striking distance pulled within three, 20-17. Gilas managed to keep it close until the latter part of the third period where everything fell apart for them.

After a back-to-back three-pointer by Andray Blatche and Gary David pulled Gilas within four, 64-60, the Boomers went on a 29-4 dizzying run bridging the final two minutes of the third and first six minutes of the fourth quarter to erect a commanding 21-point lead, 89-68.

The Filipinos never recovered and faltered for the second straight game.

Reyes was obviously not happy with their second half meltdown.

We wanted to be better today than we were yesterday. Obviously we weren't. Let's see how we'll react tomorrow

— Chot Reyes (@coachot) August 16, 2014

Gilas will try to salvage a win against Ukraine Sunday night, their third straight game in as many nights against FIBA World Cup-bound teams in this pocket tournament that simulates the competition that awaits them in Spain.  

Australia’s 6-10 finesse center Aaron Baynes of NBA champion San Antonio Spurs shot 6-of-12 to finish with 15 points leading five Boomers in double figures.

Ryan Broekhoff backed him up with 14 points while Brad Newley and Cleveland Cavalier Matt Dellavedova each had 13. The hulking Nate Jawai chipped in 10 points while Utah Jazz 6-5 rookie Dante Exum, who was drafted fifth overall in this year's draft, had an all-around performance coming up with eight points on 50 percent shooting and laced it up with five rebounds and six assists. 

Chot's son Josh, one of his assistants, pointed to the Aussies' imposing presence inside that spelled the difference. 

Tough one tonight. Australia was able to impose their size and strength on us in the 2nd half. Gotta keep on learning and improving.

— Josh Reyes (@josh_reyes) August 16, 2014

Blatche led Gilas with 20 points and was the lone double digit rebounder for Phl with 10. The Boomers outrebounded Gilas, 40-30, and enjoyed a huge 52-26 advantage in inside points. Jeff Chan finished with 11 points and continued to hit his stride from the outside collecting three triples as Gilas hit 10 three-pointers after making 12 against France.  

FIBA Asia Mythical Five member Jayson Castro came back from a reported hip injury to score 12 points while David and Jared Dillinger added 10 and 8, respectively.   

Gilas will try to salvage a win against Ukraine Sunday night before heading back to Spain for another series of tuneup games leading to the FIBA World Cup.