SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines – Naturalized big man Andray Blatche is still in pain but he will attempt to play when Gilas Pilipinas takes on reigning champion Iran in the second round of the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship Monday morning, September 28 in Changsha, Hunan, China.
(LIVE BLOG: Gilas vs Iran – 2015 FIBA Asia second round)
“It’s still painful but he will give it a go,” national team strength and conditioning coach Dexter Aseron told Rappler in text message. “I think he will be alright.”
The 29-year old Blatche sprained his right ankle early in the second quarter in the victory over Japan Sunday but managed to play on despite hobbling on one foot from time to time until the end. (IN PHOTOS: Gilas squeaks past Japan in FIBA Asia second round)
He aggravated the sprain to start the third quarter and asked to be subbed out but returned in the fourth where he went on to score the dagger that sealed the 73-66 win with under a minute remaining.
Blatche made 7 of his 18 field goals to finish with a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds along with an assist and a block in over 22 minutes of play. (WATCH: Gilas wards off Japan despite Blatche injury)
Head coach Tab Baldwin reportedly said the team will be ready with or without Blatche. The nationals played sans the center-forward in the William Jones Cup where they settled for the silver.
The Philippines is set for a rematch of the finals from two years ago with the giants Iran. Gilas is sporting a 2-1 second round record, trailing the still undefeated Iranians in Group E.
A win by the Filipinos will assure them of a quarterfinals slot and, if they go on to beat India on Tuesday, will make them the top seed entering the playoffs.
The top 4 teams from groups E and F will advance to the quarterfinals. – Rappler.com
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