CHICAGO - Gilas Pilipinas had what in aviation parlance is called a wonderful take-off, soaring high to a 23-16 start in yesterday's friendly match.
The approach was good, too, as the Philippines trailed by just two points at the end of the third quarter inside a loud and proud Arena Sosnowiec.
Sadly, a turbulence of miscues and missed free throws led to a fourth quarter crash landing that allowed host Poland to escape with an 82-80 cliffhanger.
READ: Ramos-led Gilas Pilipinas fightback vs Poland falls just short
After losing to Turkey, 84-73, two days ago, Gilas wouldn't be flying to Latvia on a mile-high momentum. They'll arrive at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament only with a suitcase full of blown opportunities and moral victories.
And that's just not good enough based on the national team's own standards.
"While others may see it as a satisfying first game, our team mindset is almost is not enough. We only have one shot at making it to the Olympics and we cannot be satisfied with almost winning," team manager Richard Del Rosario said after falling short against Turkey.
READ: Gilas Pilipinas far from satisfied after close loss to Turkey
To say that the Filipinos almost beat Poland is like calling a Ferrari a sedan. This was hairy close, the one that slipped away.
UNHAPPY ENDING.
After its initial surge Gilas got outscored, 25-15, in the second quarter before steadying itself in the third frame that ended at 58-56 in favor of Poland.
Unfortunately, this is how the Philippines' first six possessions in the fourth quarter turned out: three turnovers and four missed field goals that included a Justin Brownlee breakaway layup that was blocked and a Kai Sotto putback that sailed long.
In that horrific four-minute, two-second stretch, a potential thriller turned into a bland finale as the Polish drilled a transition three, two layups, plus a pair of free throws to plow ahead at 67-56.
In the ensuing timeout, an incensed coach Tim Cone eviscerated his players in a profanity-laced tirade that questioned their effort while pointing out defensive lapses.
READ: Cone caught on camera frustrated with Gilas' defense - or lack thereof
"We are not even trying anymore....We look like an Asian team right now...If we continue to play like this, we don't have a chance," the Ginebra coach said.
The motivational rant worked enough to keep the contest close, but not quite enough to deliver the victory.
THE DEFENSE LACKED BITE.
Brownlee led all scorers with 30 points while Dwight Ramos finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. June Mar Fajardo and Sotto combined for 18 points.
Gilas shot a remarkable 52.5 percent from the field (32-of-61) and 41.2 percent from three-point distance (9-of-14). But their free throw was problematic yet again - 9-of-14 - and their 23 turnovers were simply too much.
And just like Cone had detailed, their defense was also not as stifling as it was against Turkey, as they allowed the Polish to hit 45.9 percent of their shots (28-of-61) and 45.8 percent from beyond the arc (11-of-24). Michael Sokolowski paced Poland with 21 points while the San Antonio Spurs' Jeremy Sochan pitched in eight bones.
Uneven is perhaps the most accurate and fair assessment of the Filipinos' two-game European swing. Which reluctantly leads me to give this forecast for the July 3 game vs. host Latvia.
Cloudy with a chance of a 15-point blowout.
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