MANILA – For a national basketball team assembled less than two weeks before the start of the 2018 Asian Games, a 2-point defeat to a powerhouse like China is already an achievement.
Philippine head coach Yeng Guiao said he considers their heartbreaking 80-82 loss to China as something to celebrate, considering the team’s effort to battle back from 12 points down and nearly pulling off a huge upset in the end.
“This is a win for us,” Guiao said Tuesday night. “I can’t ask for anything more than the effort they put out tonight. It was a gallant stand. I don’t see this as a loss for us.”
“We formed this team just two weeks ago. With that amount of preparation, this is a really good game,” he added.
“’Di tayo nagkulang. ’Di lang pumasok iyong tira,” Guiao said, referring to the last-minute 3-point heave by Paul Lee that failed to find the slot. “I think we all should appreciate the effort of the boys.”
Moreover Guiao complimented Cleveland Cavaliers guard Jordan Clarkson, who delivered as expected 28 points and eight rebounds and helped the Philippines keep in step with the Chinese.
Clarkson “showed what kind of player he is,” said the head coach. “He is heads and shoulders above all the players here, and he showed that. It’s just a pity that he cramped in the last two minutes.”
“Even without [Clarkson] we had a chance to win the game with the last shot, but those are the breaks of the game. But the effort is really good, and I give credit to the boys. To me, this is like a won game,” he added.
The Philippines – backed by the core of the PBA’s Rain or Shine Elasto Painters – will face defending champion South Korea in the quarterfinal round on Aug. 27./PN
