The Philippines’ shocking win over New Zealand late Thursday night not only ended the powerhouse Asia-Oceania team’s losing streak, but it also gave the national program a chance to move forward in the development of its young players.
The 93-89 upset, which thrilled the packed Mall of Asia Arena crowd, gave Gilas Pilipinas its third consecutive win in as many games in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers and heads into action with lackluster Hong Kong again this coming Sunday. The way for the Filipinos was cleared.
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Against a lower-ranked foe whose chances of advancing are close to zero, the Philippines can now shift into a lower gear and give players, who barely saw action in the clash with the Tall Blacks, a chance to Got a chance to shine.
This also includes other naturalized player Ange Kouame, who could be activated in the game which will be played again at the Bayside Field of Pasay City.
“Ange is one of our natural players. But we can only play one natural player at a time, so that means he’s the only person who can play in Justin’s place,” national coach Tim Cone said in a recent interview.
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Brownlee had 26 points and 11 rebounds in the win against New Zealand, while Kai Sotto had an all-around performance of 19 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists – leading the way in the third quarter, helping the Filipinos pull out a tied game. Found. And take a nine-point lead in the fourth.
another win
But it was guard Chris Newsome who stopped the Kiwis’ late run with a dagger triple and then a crucial steal at the end.
The Philippines can qualify for the Asia Cup with another win, and it could be against Hong Kong, where Kouame’s stint could allow the former Ateneo star to regain his confidence and adjust to his teammates , with whom he has not played. In an official game since the gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games last year.
“Engage is only going to enhance what we do. He’s a hard-working guy, he brings it to practice every day,” Cone said. “He will make us all better. We would love to keep Ange with us for as long as she wants.
“We need him there so he can be ready to step up immediately if needed. Also, he is one of the few who can throw a dead body in June March [Fajardo] And prepare June Mar to play against big players, which is very important for us.
The Philippines defeated Hong Kong 94–64 in a road game in February.
In addition to Kouame, another player who may enjoy more exposure in the return match against the Chinese is Mason Amos, a freshman serving his redshirt year for La Salle.
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Amos was hardly used during the Olympic qualifiers in Riga, Latvia, and even Kone has spoken openly about missing the chance to do so.
“We’re hoping to get the benefit of that in the next tournament, as opposed to, you know, having different players and having to re-teach. Now it is all about enhancing and improving the knowledge of the players,” Cone said.
