JUAN Gomez de Liano’s preparations for Converge took a back seat for the meantime after the call-up with Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
But the FiberXers’ loss, at least for their build-up in the PBA 50th Season Governors’ Cup, is a huge gain for Gilas Pilipinas following Gomez de Liano’s heroic performance on Friday against New Zealand.
Gomez de Liano dropped 23 points, and knocked down two crucial threes for Gilas Pilipinas on Friday in Auckland, his efforts only falling short as the Philippines was repulsed by New Zealand in double overtime, 106-102.
Converge coach Delta Pineda was nevertheless proud of how their rookie, who came in to take the place of Scottie Thompson for this current window, delivered for the national squad
READ: Tim Cone impressed, encouraged by growth of Gilas' young core
“One good game by Juan,” Pineda said after Saturday’s tune-up game of Converge against NLEX at the Gatorade Hoops Center. “‘Yung crucial seconds na ‘yun, hindi siya nag-hesitate to take the shot.
“Bihirang dumating sa player ‘yung sitwasyon na ‘yun pero masaya ako na talagang nag-take charge siya doon sa dalawang shot na ‘yun,” he stated.
Gomez de Liano has been part of the pool since Window 2 of the World Cup Qualifiers, but it was on Friday where he unleashed what he can do for Gilas Pilipinas.
A pull-up three from the right wing by the former University of the Philippines star kept Gilas Pilipinas in the game, tying the count at 83 with 11 seconds left in regulation, a shot that eventually extended the contest.
From practically the same spot, Gomez de Liano buried another three with New Zealand big man Sam Mennenga challenging the shot to push Gilas to a 93-91 with 8.3 seconds left.
Gilas, however, crumbled with a few miscues in the end game including an ill-advised foul by Dwight Ramos after JGDL’s second crucial three, enabling the Kiwis to tie the match-up on two free throws by Shea Ili.
Pineda applauded Gomez de Liano and the rest of Gilas Pilipinas for staying in the game the whole time.
“Sayang ang pero it’s New Zealand,” Pineda said. “Nakita niyo ‘yung pinakita natin. Home court pa nila. Malaking improvement ‘yung Gilas talaga. Wala tayong dapat ikalungkot. Nagbigay tayo ng magandang laban.
“Breaks of the game na lang ‘yun."
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