CAGAYAN DE ORO—The Batang Gilas squad will gun for a sweep against Indonesia today on the final day of the Seaba Under-16 tournament at Xavier University gym here.
Coach Michael Oliver said winning the tournament, the qualifying event for the Fiba Asia Under-16, is expected by fans. More importantly, he wants to see his team get better as they prepare for the regional tournament.
So far, the first-time national team coach has yet to see the kind of game he wants from his team.
“This is our for the Fiba Asia where we’re going to face stronger, taller opponents,” said Oliver. “The only way we could beat them is through our system, ball movement, speed.”
Batang Gilas secured its third straight win with a 113-31 whipping of Brunei yesterday.
In their game against Thailand, six Filipinos scored in double figures—Samjosef Belangel (18), Will Gozum (13), Ryan Amsali (12), Sian Dave Ildefonso (11), Victor Berjay (11) and Joseph Tibayan (10).