Comeback win vs Indonesia a product of Gilas' grit, says coach Chot Reyes

PHNOM PENH — Gilas Pilipinas had to play catch-up almost all game long against reigning gold medalist Indonesia in their all-important semifinals duel on Monday in the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia.

But a late turnaround steered the nationals to a hard-fought 84-76 victory to dethrone Indonesia and set up a rematch against group stage tormentor Cambodia as the two battle for glory in the biennial meet.

And head coach Chot Reyes said it was just their grit that led to the comeback win.

"First of all, credit to the players for sticking with it. They didn't give up," Reyes told the media.

"Indonesia's a hell of a team, man. They're a real team. They got together for a long time, they know each other very well, and their system is very fluid. But like I've said, we just pay tribute to the guys for their grit and for not giving up."

"[It was] just grit on our part."

The job, though, isn't done yet for the FIlipinos. They will be facing a Cambodian team reinforced by naturalized players that's hungry to cop its first-ever SEAG 5-on-5 basketball gold medal in history.

With just a short period of preparation, Reyes stressed they need to have the players' bodies recovered as the hosts are fielding five naturalized players led by Darrin Dorsey and Brandon Peterson, who showed the way for them in the 76-66 win over Thailand earlier.

"The first thing is recovery. We have to rest, recover well, and then hit the film," Reyes added.

"We're going to spend another sleepless night, the coaching staff, to prepare the guys tomorrow. And then see what we can do. But we all know how strong Cambodia is. But like I've said, give ourselves a chance."

—JMB, GMA Integrated News