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    Chot says Estonia result a 'good first step' in Fiba World Cup preparations

    Chot satisfied with Gilas' performance in first tune-up game
    Jun 28, 2023
    Chot Reyes
    PHOTO: Jerome Ascano

    CONSIDERING that it was their first tune-up game, Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes was generally happy with how the team played in their loss to Estonia on Tuesday.

    Reyes lauded the fight displayed by Gilas Pilipinas where they came back from a large deficit to turn the match into a competitive one before falling to Estonia, 81-71.

    See Gilas loses to Estonia in tuneup as late fightback falls short

    “We were down 20 and still we showed a lot of fight, putting ourselves within a basket,” said Reyes in an interview with One Sports’ Carlo Pamintuan. “We were three points down and we played the fourth without Justin Brownlee who suffered cramps already by that time.”

    “Good first step. Very, very happy,” Reyes said.

    gilas vs estonia tune-up game

    Reyes said the team had little expectations going into the contest since they are in the early stage of their preparations for the Fiba Basketball World Cup.

    Even with the positives, Reyes said there is definitely a lot to improve on, particularly with chemistry as the lack of it led to several turnovers.

    “Going to this ballgame, we knew we still have a long way to go. Still a lot of work to be done because this is a work in progress. Can’t ask for more,” said Reyes.

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      “Unfortunately, we had 23 turnovers. But that’s too expected. This is our first game together as a team. I told the players we can expect that our offense is going to struggle and those 23 turnovers reflected that,” said Reyes.

      “I thought we didn’t play good defense in the first half but in the second half, we tightened up a lot more that allowed us to get back and stay in the game,” Reyes added.

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      Gilas completes its tune-up series in Tallinn on Thursday night against Finland.

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      PHOTO: Jerome Ascano
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