Kai Sotto, Angelo Koaume lead Gilas roster anew for Korea rematch

Gilas Pilipinas ahead of its contest vs South Korea. FIBA ASIA CUP

MANiLA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas made minor tweaks to its lineup for its second meeting with longtime rival South Korea on Sunday to wrap up its campaign in the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers in Clark, Pampanga.

Naturalized center Ange Kouame and Kai Sotto will fill the frontcourt once again for the Philippines but a couple of players will see action against the South Koreans for the first time.

Jordan Heading, who made his debut against Indonesia on Friday, Geo Chiu will be part of the 12-man lineup announced by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on Saturday.

Completing the roster are SJ Belangel, RJ Abarrientos, Dwight Ramos, Justine Baltazar, captain Isaac Go, William Navarro, Mike Nieto, and Jaydee Tungcab.

Carl Tamayo, who has been one of Gilas’ biggest revelations, will miss the game due to an ankle injury he suffered in the blowout win over Indonesia on Friday.

Gilas pulled off a dramatic 81-78 win over South Korea off a buzzer-beating three by Belangel on Wednesday.

The young Gilas, which crushed Indonesia, 76-51, hopes to prove that victory was no fluke as it goes for a 6-0 sweep of the qualifiers.

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