Gilas Pilipinas got off to a rough start in the Asian Games, dropping its opening game to Bahrain, 89-85.
Head coach Tim Cone admitted that Gilas’ lack of size hurt the team, especially on defense and in the paint.
The Philippines was without four key big men — Kai Sotto, Quentin Millora-Brown, AJ Edu, and June Mar Fajardo.
Bahrain made the most of the mismatch, with JaKarr Sampson dominating inside for 24 points and 13 rebounds, while Elijah Thomas chipped in 20.
Gilas actually won the battle on the boards but struggled to convert its opportunities, shooting just 38 percent from the field and 29 percent from three-point range.
The setback was compounded by injuries to Robert Bolick and Adrian Nocum.
Still, Calvin Oftana provided a major spark, erupting for 31 points to keep Gilas within striking distance.
With the opening loss behind them, Gilas Pilipinas will look to regroup, address its defensive issues, and bounce back in its next Asian Games game.
(Photo Courtesy: SBP/FB )
