With hundreds of OFWs waving miniature Philippine flags and intensely cheering Gilas, Scottie Thompson and company transformed their confrontation with their Saudi foes into a homecourt battle to win, 76-63 in the fifth window of the FIBA Asia qualifiers yesterday at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Gilas thus made a sweep of its two-game fifth window schedule, defeating Jordan three days earlier in Amman.
The live TV remote broadcast was at such an unholy hour because it was already snoring time, but the heroics that Kai Sotto et al displayed was worth all the trouble.
Though the Saudis gave everything they had under a new bench strategist in coach Johann Roijakkers, the Gilas squad was much more prepared – mentally and physically – about a “surprise” welcome their hosts might have prepared for them.
The win was Gilas’ second straight over Saudi Arabia although it was not as impressive as the blow-out victory in Manila (84-46) three months ago when NBAer Fil-Am Jordan Clarkson suited up for the Ph team.
Again, the all around playmaking of PBA MVP Scottie Thompson, and the zigzagging dribble drives of CJ Perez baffled the Saudi defense.
RR Pogoy contributed 13 markers, sniping from the three point area that sparked rah-rahs from the predominantly Pinoy crowd to give Gilas a 16-point margin, 50-34.
Because of pride, the Saudis did not just easily give up but even their torrid triple shooting in the fourth quarter failed to douse cold water on the greatly-inspired Gilas boys.
With his towering figure in the middle, Kai Sotto got inside passes from Dwight Ramos (13 pts and 4 rebounds) and Thompson (9 pts, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals) for easy dunks and lay-ups.
Perez poured in 10 pts and 4 rebounds.
The 7-3 NBL player scored 11 pts., 9 rebounds and 5 blocks, swatting away enemy shots like they were ping pong balls.
Every man coach Chot Reyes fielded played like their life was at stake.
“We are happy with the result…we really focused on defense,” Reyes said. “ We were able to stop their players.”
The fact that Gilas was able to limit the Saudis below 70 points, Reyes added, spoke well of Gilas’ ability to defend.
Ramos scored four points in the dying seconds to kill all Saudi hopes of reversing the tide.
Bobby Ray Parks and Japeth Aguilar stood well in defense and offense to combine with Ange Kouame and Poy Erram.
The celebration should be enjoyed for the moment but the greater responsibility of Gilas and the coaching staff remains to be their expected respectable performance in the 2023 FIBA World Cup which the country is hosting next year.
Far from having an ideal team, believe me coach Chot will still make two or three player changes next year. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
