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MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) — “It’s an ugly win, but a win is a win.”
Those were the words that Gilas forward Ranidel De Ocampo shared with the media at the postgame press conference after Team Philippines beat Saudi Arabia, 78-66, on Thursday, August 1 in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championships at the Mall of Asia Arena.
It was a result that, to many, was closer than expected.
The Saudis were athletic, they made their perimeter shots, and they were fearless. In contrast, Gilas played a little too tentative in several stretches, and the home team never really could create any big separation against their Gulf opponents.
Coach Chot Reyes attributed it to the fact they didn’t know much about how the Green Falcons played.
“We know all the other teams pretty well, but we haven’t seen Saudi play,” he said.
The backcourt duo of LA Tenorio and Larry Fonacier led the way for Gilas with 12 points each, while Marcus Douthit contributed 10 markers on top of 11 rebounds and 2 blocks. Tenorio and Fonacier also combined for 10 assists. As a team, however, the Pinoys didn’t take good care of the ball, turning it over 14 times compared to just 10 for KSA.
One key stat, however, was the number of fouls called on Gilas. The hometown boys were whistled for 30 fouls compared to just 17 for KSA. More than the fact that this gave the Saudis a +28 stat in free throw attempts, these fouls stifled whatever momentum Gilas built at various points in the match.
These are breaks of the game, of course, and I am sure the Gilas boys will respond positively even against the stronger teams they will face next — Jordan tomorrow and Taiwan on Saturday.
Saudi was led by Ayman Al Muwallad’s 18 points, while Mohammed Al Marwani and Mustafa Al Hosawi dropped 12 and 11 markers, respectively. – Rappler.com
The scores:
Gilas Pilipinas (78) – Tenorio 12, Fonacier 12, Douthit 10, De Ocampo 9, Pingris 8, Chan 6, Castro 6, Alapag 5, David 4, Norwood 2, Fajardo 2, Aguilar 2
Saudi Arabia (66) – Al Muwallad A 18, Al Marwani A 12, Al Hosawi 11, Abo Jalas 9, AL Marwani M 8, Al Muwallad 4, Kabe 2, Belal 2, Al Sager 0
Quarters: 14-16, 35-28, 57-46, 78-66
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