FOSHAN, China – Gilas Pilipinas needs to pull out all the stops in the FIBA World Cup opener against Italy at the GBA International Sports and Cultural Center here on Saturday, August 31. 

Ranked No. 31 in the world, the Philippines must stage an upset against world No. 13 Italy as it tries to win at least 2 of its 3 games in Group D in order to advance to the second round. 

Despite Gilas’ underdog tag, national team head coach Yeng Guiao and his wards feel upbeat of their chances. 

“The morale is high,” said Guiao, believing the Filipinos can hit their peak form before tangling with the Italians. (READ: Guiao, Gilas in ‘basketball heaven’ in FIBA World Cup 2019)

But it won’t be an easy task as Italy boasts a lineup bannered by San Antonio Spurs guard Marco Belinelli, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Danilo Gallinari, and former NBA player Luigi Datome. 

While there’s no seven-footer in their roster, the Italians field a relatively tall squad with their smallest player Ariel Filloy standing at 6-foot-3. (READ: Italy deadlier with Gallinari, Datome playing in FIBA World Cup 2019)

On the Philippines’ side, Andray Blatche, June Mar Fajardo, Gabe Norwood, Paul Lee, and Japeth Aguilar hope to show the way as holdovers of the Gilas squad in the 2014 World Cup. 

Young guns Kiefer Ravena, Roger Pogoy, Troy Rosario, CJ Perez, and Robert Bolick look to make an impression, while veterans Raymond Almazan and Mark Barroca eye to provide impact in their first World Cup.

Game time is at 7:30 pm. (LOOK: Glory in the journey: Gilas Pilipinas at FIBA World Cup 2019)

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Philippines vs Italy – Curated tweets by RapplerSports

– Rappler.com