The Gilas Boys’ narrow victory over Indonesia might have come as a surprise to the fans who probably expected another blowout inside the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center during the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA qualifiers on Wednesday, May 28.
Gilas Boys' narrow win over Indonesia a wake-up call, says Tenorio
At A Glance
- The Gilas Boys' narrow victory over Indonesia might have come as a surprise to the fans who probably expected another blowout inside the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center during the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA qualifiers on Wednesday, May 28.
But head coach LA Tenorio had no qualms about it.
In fact, he is somehow glad that his charges finally got some sort of little reality check when they were made to earn a hard-fought 77-68 victory over their regional rivals.
It was the first time that the Gilas Boys were actually challenged after a hat-trick of blowout victories to open the tournament. Although the Filipinos remained unblemished with a 4-0 record, Tenorio said it’s good that his team now knows that the victories aren’t easily given.
“We didn’t come here to blow out opponents. We came here to win, so we’re taking this,” said Tenorio.
“It’s good that this was a close game. Baka akala ng mga players, laging ganon (blowout game) ang mangyayari,” he added.
No doubt, the two best teams in the tournament and in the region, the game between Gilas and Indonesia looked like a prelude of what could be a finals matchup with the sellout crowd getting treated to a thriller.
The Indonesians closed in on the Filipinos, 61-65, inside the final five minutes before Gilas regained its footing and reestablished a double-digit cushion behind the efforts of Gab Delos Reyes and Everaign Cruz.
Still it was a tough stand Gilas probably did not expect from Indonesia which relied on the scoring prowess of Benjamin Piet Hermusi who was scoring on his will against the defense of the host.
He finished with 23 points to lead his squad.
“They’re a strong team, very well coached, and very talented,” Tenorio acknowledged.
“Mabuti na rin na ngayon ito nangyari samin, hindi sa finals. But, di pa namin iisipin yon. We still have one more game left,” he added.