Gilas battles Indonesia tonight
Credit to Author: Josef T. Ramos, TMT| Date: Sat, 22 Feb 2020 16:16:46 +0000
Gilas Pilipinas will face Indonesia at 7 p.m. tonight in the first window of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup Qualifiers at the Britama Arena in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Indonesia suffered a 76-109 first game loss to South Korea on its home turf on Thursday.
“They will definitely be a better team tomorrow (Sunday),” Gilas interim coach Mark Dickel told The Manila Times in text message on Saturday. “South Korea is a really tough opponent. And they (Indonesia) will be much better for having that game. They are targeting us as a game they can win.”
Dickel and his wards arrived in Jakarta Friday evening.
“All is good, accommodation is good. Happy to be here getting ready for the game,” said Dickel, who was appointed Gilas coach by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on January 29.
Leading Gilas’ campaign are Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) standouts Roger Pogoy and Troy Rosario of TNT KaTropa, JP Erram and Kiefer Ravena of Northern Luzon Expressway, CJ Perez of Columbian Dyip, Justin Chua of Phoenix and Abu Tratter of Alaska.
Also joining the action are Isaac Go, Juan Gomez De Liano, Thirdy Ravena, Dwight Ramos and Matt Nieto from the amateur ranks.
“A big responsibility for [me] not just me but for everyone else to do their part to make sure we represent the country to the best of our abilities. It’s not going to be easy even it’s Indonesia, it’s coach Rajko (Toroman) — they have a new system so it’s going to be tough,” said Ravena, the younger brother of Kiefer Ravena.
Abraham Damar Grahita was Indonesia’s top scorer, finishing with 25 points in their loss to South Korea. Garahita will be supported by teammates Dhyaksa Andakara Prastawa and Kevin Yonas Argadiba Sitorus.
Gilas and Indonesia are in Bracket A with South Korea and Thailand.
Gilas’ game against Thailand on February 20 at the Araneta Coliseum was postponed amid the novel coronavirus scare.