Chot Reyes disappointed with Gilas’ finish despite win vs Iran

Gilas Pilipinas national team head coach Chot Reyes expressed his disappointment with how the squad performed in the final minutes of their 76-65 win against Iran in the 2023 Heyuan WUS International Basketball Tournament in China on late Thursday night.

The Filipinos, who played without any naturalized player as well as without big man Kai Sotto, led by as much 22 points early in the fourth but almost squandered it as the Iranians rallied.

Gilas’ advantage was eventually trimmed to 11 as the Filipinos committed a number of turnovers. But thanks to a two-handed slam from AJ Edu, the Philippines was able to seal the victory.

“It was a bad start and a very bad finish for us. I think we only played a good second and third quarter,” Reyes said in a post-game interview.

“We played in the middle part of the game, but we need to start games better and finish games better. I'm very disappointed how we finished the ball game.”

The seasoned tactician hopes they can rectify things right away, especially that they will face a much taller Senegal team later today at 8 p.m.

“Senegal is a big and strong and tall team, so it's going to be a big challenge for us that's why I wanted to rest some of my guys in the fourth quarter to prepare for tomorrow,” he added.

“Hopefully, it will be enough, a lot of endurance for tomorrow's ball game.”

Jamie Malonzo paced Gilas with 11 points and six rebounds while young guns Edu and Rhenz Abando provided a boost as the former poured in 9 markers and 9 boards while the latter chipped in eight points and two rebounds.

The tournament is part of Gilas’ crucial buildup for the 2023 FIBA World Cup kicking off this August 25.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News