Gilas Pilipinas made an impressive performance on their final preparations in the upcoming FIBA Asia Championship as they secured a back-to-back win in New Zealand against NBL veteran team Hawkes Bay Hawks.
During the first encounter between the Philippines and the Hawkes Bay Hawks, Gilas won with the final score at 82-78 on Friday while during the second game Gilas won with the final score at 73-70.
Although the Philippine Men’s Basketball team have won back-to-back in New Zealand, the squad has yet to fully showcase its form according to Gilas (–foul word(s) removed–)istant coach Josh Reyes.
The Hawks, considered as one of the toughest team in New Zealands’ National Basketball League, although they failed to make it the Final Four of this year’s tournament but they are bannered with some of Kiwi’s most popular basketball players.
The Hawks was also mentored by veteran international campaigner Tab Baldwin which features Darko Cohaderevic and Kareem Johnson. According to Gilas Coach Chot Reyes the main reason why they were able to win against the Kiwis is because of the team’s three-point shooting.
Next to the Gilas Pilipinas (–foul word(s) removed–)ignment will be their toughest on their New Zealand training camp as they will face an All-Star Selection composed of local players, and imports from the National Basketball League. After their showdown with the NBA all-stars, Gilas will battle the Wellington Saints on July 16 and the Super City Rangers on July 17 before a match against the New Zealand’s Tall Blacks.
have an opportunity to rest just yet, however, as it gears up for its toughest (–foul word(s) removed–)ignment of the tour so far on Sunday, when it takes on an all-star selection composed of local players and imports from the National Basketball League.
After a one-day break after its showdown with the NBL all-stars, Gilas will battle the Wellington Saints on July 16 and the Super City Rangers on July 17 before a match against the Tall Blacks national pool.
