Gilas proved PH can compete against world’s best, says Alapag

Philippines vs France in a FIBA OQT match at Mall of Asia Arena. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Former Gilas Pilipinas guard Jimmy Alapag felt the Filipino guards did well in defending Tony Parker in the heartbreaking loss to France, 93-84 Tuesday, at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

“It was not an easy matchup, I thought that Terrence (Romeo) and Jayson (Castro) did well so hopefully tonight they’ll continue the same energy against New Zealand,” said Alapag Wednesday at Gatorade Hoops Center after Meralco’s tune-up game against Alaska.

Andray Blatche led Gilas with 21 points while Terrence Romeo and Jayson Castro had 19 and 14 points, respectively in a game where the Filipinos went toe-to-toe with the no. 5 team in the world.

After leading by as many as 10 and hanging tough in the fourth quarter, a couple of turnovers doomed Gilas, 93-84.

“You can’t do that to a team like France. But it’s encouraging to see how they played. Last night was another opportunity to show that the Philippine Basketball could compete against the bests of the world. It goes down to tonight in a do-or-die game,” said Alapag.

The PBA veteran is confident the Filipinos will come out stronger later in the game against New Zealand and will look to bounce back after losing to France.

“I think that if we come out with the same effort like last night, we’ll give ourselves a great chance. It will be tough for New Zealand because it’s their first game,” said Alapag.

“I told them to fight for our country and enjoy the game, because that’s what basketball is all about.”
Miguel De Leon/Philippine Daily Inquirer trainee

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