Gilas set for 3 closed-door tune up games ahead of SEA Games

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Making the most of its limited practice time, Gilas Pilipinas is slated to play three tune-up games for the next three Mondays, according to head coach Tim Cone.

Cone said Gilas will play Alab Pilipinas on November 4 and 11 before taking on an import-led Taiwanese side on November 18.

Keeping his cards close to his chest, Cone said the three exhibitions will be played behind closed doors.

“I don’t know how to tell you this, we have a practice game on the 4th against Alab. But It’s going to be—and I’m sorry—a closed game. We’re not gonna allow crowd, fans, or press until after the game is over,” Cone said after wrapping up practice Monday night at Meralco Gym.

“We’re trying to keep our range tight. We know the people are out there scouting us. And we also want to have total focus cause our time is so short. We want to have total focus on coming in and playing and working against the Alab team and not having to worry about playing for the crowd, playing for you guys or trying to look good or whatever. We’re trying to do the work. That’s why we’re closing that game out.”

The national team pool is now in its crucial stretch of preparations for the Southeast Asian Games, which will be held in the country later this year.

The Philippines has won the men’s basketball gold in the SEA Games since 1991.