Sports
Gilas eyes repeat win versus South Korea

THREE coaching changes and adjustments in the roster didn't have much effect on Gilas Pilipinas as far as winning was concerned.

For five games now in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, the Philippine men's basketball team has remained undefeated.

The Filipinos wrap up their campaign against the South Koreans at the Angeles University Foundation gym in Pampanga on Sunday afternoon.

And there's no better way for the Philippines to end its campaign than to sweep the tournament with another win against long-time Asian rival South Korea.

The Filipinos are already assured of a berth in the FIBA Asia Cup, a qualifying tournament for the FIBA World Cup, but Gilas head coach Tab Baldwin wants to develop more chemistry for the squad, and Sunday's rematch with South Korea is an ideal testing ground for the team.

Last Wednesday, the South Koreans proved to be a humdinger of an encounter as the Filipinos nipped the South Koreans with a buzzer-beating, game-winning three-pointer from guard SJ Belangel.

For basketball-crazy Pinoys, every Philippine-South Korean encounter offers high stakes not only because the South Koreans have tormented the Filipinos in many international tournaments since the 1970s but also because they have always been a good touchstone of the Philippine team's progress.

Gilas Pilipinas, now composed of young but tall prospects, showed tenacity in an 81-78 triumph last Wednesday. The Filipinos showed their resolve, fighting back from 17 points down and setting the tone for an exciting wind up.

Now they must display discipline in Sunday's rematch.

'I don't think there's any question that these young guys are going to compete,' Baldwin said during the postgame press conference. 'There's always a question about, 'Can they stand against the opponents' talent' or 'can the lack of experience stand up against the experience of another team?' But [there is not any question about] their heart and not [any about] their desire to fight.'

Focus of attention will be the front-court battle, as Gilas Pilipinas is expected to utilize its size advantage anew, anchored on naturalized player Angelo Kouame, 7'3' Kai Sotto, 6'8' Justine Baltazar and 6'7' team captain Isaac Go, who are going to take turns defending naturalized Korean Ricardo Ratliffe, who is now known as Ra Gun-ah.

An adjustment in the roster is expected, as Carl Tamayo, the 6'7' forward, who had a steady game last Wednesday, suffered an ankle injury in the game against Indonesia on Friday night.

The Gilas backcourt also had its share of the spotlight in the last two victories, as Belangel and RJ Abarrientos proved that small ball still has a place in a big man's game.

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GAMES ON SUNDAY (Angeles University Foundation GYM)

11:30 a.m. Indonesia vs Thailand ; 3 p.m. Philippines vs South Korea

SLICK MOVE RJ Abarrientos splits two South Korean defenders during their game at the Angeles University Foundation gym in Pampanga on June 16, 2021. Gilas Pilipinas and South Korea meet again at the same venue on Sunday afternoon. PHOTO FROM FIBA.COM