PERTH, Western Australia — Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone says the national team has already put behind them the heartbreaking double-overtime loss to New Zealand and is fully focused on the daunting challenge that awaits them in Perth.
After arriving in Western Australia on Saturday, Cone and the Philippine squad received a warm welcome from members of the Filipino community at Perth Airport, a reminder that they will not be short of support when they take on the mighty Australian Boomers.
Despite Friday night’s emotional 102-106 double-overtime defeat to the Tall Blacks in Auckland, Cone believes his players are mentally prepared to respond.
“We have very short memories and we are going to bounce back,” Cone said shortly after arriving in Perth.
The Philippines will face Australia, currently ranked No. 6 in the FIBA World Rankings, on Monday at RAC Arena to conclude Window 3 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asia-Oceania Qualifiers.
Cone expects Australia to be playing with confidence after dismantling Guam, 124-52, in a performance highlighted by the debut of newly naturalized star Bryce Cotton.
