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[av_heading heading=’Reyes content with Gilas’ sloppy play vs Japan ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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MANILA – Head coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes has found a silver lining in Gilas Pilipinas’ sloppy performance that nevertheless handed the team its 77-71 victory against Japan in the 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifiers on Friday night in Tokyo.
In a post-match interview, the Philippine men’s basketball team mentor lauded his players for keeping their heads into the game despite squandering a lead as high as 14 points in the first half.
“We have a very high respect for Japan,” Reyes said. “We knew that we’re in for a tough match. The important part of the game was, when we had a nice lead, we know they have the ability to come back because they’re a quality team.”
“It was important that, when they came back and got the lead, we stayed calm and did not panic,” he added. “The players remained positive and that allowed us to eventually get the victory.”
Despite having a double-digit lead early in the game, Gilas seemed a step slower against Japan, committing 15 turnovers and allowing 13 offensive rebounds to the Japanese.
“The good thing about playing against good coaches it demands your best,” said Reyes. “It demands you to be at the top of your game and your adjustments. Your focus has to be at a very high level because one slip up could mean the ball game.”
“(Japan) Coach Julio (Lamas) made great adjustments in the third, forcing us into turnovers. We had to make our counter-adjustments,” he added. “We have to limit our turnovers and our opponents’ offensive rebounds the next time around.”
Gilas will have a short rest before hosting Chinese Taipei tomorrow at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum./PN
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