Gilas Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin says Palestine loss 'a big mistake'

 

CHANGSHA, China - Gilas Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin admitted on Wednesday that the national team's FIBA Asia Championship opening game loss to tournament newcomer Palestine is a "big mistake."

 

"This is not a statement game about who Gilas Pilipinas is. This is a big mistake - by our team, by our coaching staff, all of us," the American-Kiwi mentor said after the match.

 

The Philippines squandered a once 16-point cushion, allowing the Palestine to take over in the endgame with a 13-2 run behind the heroics of Jamal Abu Shamala and Sani Sakakini, who combined for 48 points.

 

Gilas took control in the first half, but they struggled to execute down the stretch as the Palestinians switched to zone defense while exploding from the perimeter.

 

Despite the early bump in their campaign, Baldwin remains positive that his wards will get back right on track against their remaining first round opponents Hong Kong and Kuwait on Thursday and Friday.

 

"Fortunately we have the whole tournament to rectify that mistake, fix it, get ourselves back where we belong, winning games and putting ourselves in a position to move into the playoff round of this tournament," he said.

 

The coach noted that his squad only had eight assists and four steals during the game, which he attributed to a mix of "impatience" in offense and missed open looks. Gilas also gave Palestine 23 offensive rebounds, which led to extra possessions and scoring chances.

 

Baldwin gave credit to the Palestinians, who scored their historic first ever victory in the FIBA Asia, but he vowed to bounce back to make it up to the fans and supporters of Gilas Pilipinas.

 

"We cannot hang our heads, there's too much tournament left to play. We feel bad mostly for the people of the Philippines we feel we let down today, but we'll be back to fight tomorrow," he said. —JST, GMA News