Gilas determined to win next two games

SEVILLE, Spain –  After three consecutive losses, it’s make or break for Gilas Pilipinas.

Rappler’s Rodneil Quiteles is in Seville, Spain and he files this report.

With two more games remaining, Gilas Pilipinas needs to win both to stay in the running.

They say they put the heartbreaking loss to Argentina behind them and is focused on Puerto Rico. Despite stand outs Renaldo Balkman and JJ Barea, Coach Chot Reyes says Gilas must be ready to stop everybody.

CHOT REYES, GILAS PILIPINAS COACH: What we’ve learned in this tournament is you can’t not prepare for anyone because you know, like last night, Mata just came out of nowhere and torched us so we just have to prepare and get ready to defend everyone because at this level, walang patapon eh (all the players are). Everyone is really somebody you need to take care of.

Reigning PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo will be facing Balkman, a former PBA import and teammate. Balkman was banned from the Philippine league after choking teammate Arwind Santos back in 2013. Fajardo says that’s all in the past and they will be all business when they hit the court.

Naturalized center Andray Blatche says he could have done more to help the team.

ANDRAY BLATCHE, GILAS PILIPINAS CENTER: We have a plan of winning the next two games. We have to win the next two games so we can advance.Tomorrow, there’s no holding back. Full throttle.

He is also aware of the adjustments he needs to make.

ANDRAY BLATCHE, GILAS PILIPINAS CENTER: It’s tough. I gotta do a better job at reading the defense and finding the open man.

He adds his knee is feeling better and can’t wait to get back on the court.

Gilas Pilipinas is more than ready. They are taking the tournament one game at a time and are determined to deliver a win for their legions of supporters. Despite three losses, the team’s battle cry remains the same “Laban Pilipinas puso!”

Rodneil Quiteles, Rappler. Spain – Rappler.com