FILE–Gilas Pilipinas within the nineteenth Asian Video games in Hangzhou, China. –POOL PHOTO
Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone requested for yet another nice effort from his gamers within the nineteenth Asian Video games. On Friday evening, he obtained a efficiency that will probably be talked about for ages.
The Philippines rolled previous Jordan, 70-60, to rule the lads’s basketball showcase at Hangzhou Olympic Centre Gymnasium in China and ship the nation’s first Asian Video games gold in over half a century.
Justin Brownlee was massive as soon as once more, scattering 20 factors for Gilas Pilipinas. Ange Kouame, Scottie Thompson and Chris Newsome all chipped in at the very least 11 every within the effort that avenged a beatdown by the hands of the Falcons final weekend.
“Our guys had been simply actually disciplined tonight,” Cone instructed reporters within the din of the revelries. “It was only a good recreation by us tonight and so they (Jordan) had an off taking pictures evening.”
It was that preliminary spherical loss that compelled Gilas Pilipinas to play an additional recreation within the event. However trying again, the lengthy route afforded Cone and the squad simply precisely what it wanted for a no-tomorrow duel for the highest prize.
Asian Video games gold medal for PH basketball pic.twitter.com/wAAA7dus6h
— June Navarro (@junavINQ) October 6, 2023
Gilas thrashed Qatar, survived Iran and surprised China to develop into one cohesive squad worthy of taking down a well-oiled foe desperate to notch a milestone for itself.
That enchancment was in full view on Friday evening, because the Philippines managed to take pleasure in leads as massive as 13 factors.
“I feel we did a very good job recovering (Sami) Bzai, not letting him get plenty of appears, and that was one of many keys,” Cone mentioned.
“I do know it’s no gold for Jordan. It could’ve been their first. Good for each of us,” he added with a smirk.
By means of the win, the Philippines tabbed its fifth gold medal. The final got here in 1962 in Jakarta, Indonesia, courtesy of a squad led by the late Fiba Corridor of Famer Carlos Loyzaga.
Your subscription couldn’t be saved. Please strive once more.
Your subscription has been profitable.
The Nationals’ final podium end—a bronze medal—was again in 1998, when Cone additionally referred to as the pictures.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, had 24 factors, however with Freddy Ibrahim the one different Jordan participant scoring in double digits, the Falcons needed to accept a silver—a feat by itself when ranged in opposition to the nation’s measly 5 appearances within the quadrennial showpiece.