MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas will ride their two-game winning streak and momentum from an impressive victory against Japan when they take on their rivals from Iran in the 37th William Jones Cup on Thursday, September 3, at 1 PM.
Another victory for the Philippines would put them in good position to take the top spot of the league standings as the Iranians, now 4-1, lost their last game against the United States with Hamed Haddadi resting on the sidelines.
Gilas also rested their big men Sonny Thoss and Asi Taulava against Japan in preparation for the battle against the bigger Iranians, but head coach Tab Baldwin will rely on other players too like Terrence Romeo, Moala Tautuaa, and Calvin Abueva to provide firepower.
In the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship, Iran beat Philippines in the gold medal match and a year later in the 2014 Asian Games, they won against Gilas in the elimination round anew.
Both sides are clearly no strangers to each other.
– Rappler.com
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