Angolans arrive

THE Angola squad is the first team in the Philippines’ group to arrive in Manila for the Fiba Basketball World Cup.
The Angolans, who played a tuneup game against France in Japan, arrived on Saturday night at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Led by Atlanta Hawks center Bruno Fernando, the Angolans play their first game against Italy on opening day in Bulacan before taking on Gilas Pilipinas on Aug. 27 at the Araneta Coliseum.
Arena giveaways

ORGANIZERS of the Fiba Basketball World Cup are hoping to draw more spectators to the opening game on Aug. 25 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan by giving away Fiba items.
Scarves, clappers, rally towels, LED wristbands and fastfood coupons will be given to fans. Angola and Italy clash in the opeer at 4 p.m., before the Philippines battles the Dominican Republic at 8 o’clock.
Local organizers are looking break the attendance record of 32,616 set during the 1994 Fiba World Championship final in Canada featuring the US vs Russia. The Americans won.
A boost in morale

IVORY Coast coach Dejan Prokic believes the Philippines has a good chance against Angola in the Fiba Basketball World Cup pool play.
The Filipinos came up with an 85-62 win over the Ivorians in a tune-up match on Friday and Prokic was impressed.
“Philippine is a very good team, Clarkson is an exceptional player,” the Serbian coach was quoted as saying in a press release to media outlets by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
“They have a very good coach, they used what they have, they’re quite bigger than us and today they used it a lot. So I think Angola should not be a question,” said Prokic, when asked about Gilas’ chances against Angola.
Rain or Shine downs Japan U-22

RAIN or Shine scored its second win in the last three games, rallying past the Japanese Under-22 team, 116-91, on Saturday in the William Jones Cup in Taipei.
Santi Santillan shot 8 for 8 and finished with 20 points for the Elasto Painters, who improved to 1-5, tied with Iran.
Japan fell to 1-6.
Rain or Shine plays unbeaten University of Irvine (6-0) on closing day Sunday.
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