Disappointed Baldwin says Gilas was 'outplayed, outcoached, outgunned' by Dominican Republic

Gilas coach Tab Baldwin had one word to describe his feelings about his team's lopsided 94-67 loss to the Dominican Republic: disappointed.

The American-New Zealander mentor couldn't hide the fact that he was dismayed with the way Gilas Pilipinas went out against the Dominicans in their FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament clash Friday morning (Manila time).

"We didn’t stand up to the pressure, we didn’t execute what we can execute, what we should execute under pressure," Baldwin said in the post-game press conference.

"So all I can do is say the word 'disappointed' and we have many things to learn from this."

Gilas had some lapses early in the game but still managed to take control of the do-or-die match as they march into the halftime break, 41-39.

But the Dominican Republic took advantage of Gilas' turnovers, which added up to 23 by the end of the game, to erupt for a huge third quarter run. They ended the fourth leading by 14 points, 65-51.

The Filipinos, who were coming off a sweep of the third window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, were not able to recover in the payoff period as they surrendered to the World No. 19 en route to a winless OQT campaign.

Baldwin said they were simply not the better team today and gave credit to a tough and composed Dominican Republic side, which held its fort against a gutsy Philippines.

"Well obviously it’s a tough game for us today and I don’t think the first half was indicative of really what the Dominican Republic is all about," Baldwin added.

"It was a very disappointing second half for us and (there are) no excuses and not much to say about it other than we were outplayed, outcoached, and outgunned."

Gilas will now head back to the Philippines as they start their buildup for the FIBA Asia Cup slated this August in Indonesia.

And Baldwin said their latest campaign will serve as a great learning tool in their campaign in the continental showpiece.

"I offer my congratulations to the Dominican and wish them well in the  next stage and we will now head home with lessons in our pocket."

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News