Gilas players vow no letup in third FIBA window

MANILA, Philippines – Already safely through to the second round of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers, the Gilas Pilipinas players vowed to still give their all when they return to action in June for the third window.

The Philippines secured their qualification to the second round after beating Japan, 89-84, on Sunday for a 3-1 win-loss record after two windows. They were one of 12 teams to advance to the second round last weekend.

However, Gilas Pilipinas still has two games to go in the first round. They play Chinese-Taipei on the road on June 29, and then host Australia at the Philippine Arena on July 2.

"We have to find a way to get two more wins," said Gilas veteran and captain Gabe Norwood. "Hopefully, we take care of our business and make sure we have a slot in the World Cup."

• READ: 12 teams clinch 2nd round in Basketball World Cup qualifying

Indeed, every game in the first round counts as the wins are carried over to the second round of the qualifiers. Thus, the Gilas players promised to approach their games in the third window as "must-win" contests.

"Hindi pa rin namin ibibigay 'yung third window na kakalabanin namin 'yung Taiwan at saka Australia," said Calvin Abueva. "Sa amin, sa paghahanda pa ang dapat naming pagtuunan ng pansin."

"Siyempre, go hard pa rin kami," said June Mar Fajardo when asked about the third window of games. "Kailangan namin 'yung panalo. Hindi pwedeng easy-easy lang."

"Kailangan maipanalo namin lahat ng game namin kung makakaya," he added.

It won't be an easy task for Gilas Pilipinas. They struggled to beat Chinese-Taipei at home, laboring to a 90-83 victory in November 2017.

They lost to Australia, 84-68, last February 22 before bouncing back with the win against Japan.

The team is upbeat about their chances, however, especially after the confidence-building win against the Akatsuki Five that saw their second unit come up with big contributions. They also expect to have Jayson Castro available for both games in the third window, after "The Blur" sat out their first meeting against Australia due to an ankle injury.

"Yung versus Australia, na-feel namin na may chance tayo, as long as maaga lang tayo mag-prepare," said Castro. "At the same time, 'yun nga, (sana) makapag-training camp ma lang, makapag-tune up game para ma-feel lang 'yung isa't isa ulit."

"Parang 'yun ang kailangan para talunin 'yung Australia eh. Kasi alam naman natin na kaya natin sila," he added.

In the meantime, the Gilas players will return to their PBA teams first, with the Philippine Cup already entering its final stretch. Naturalized center Andray Blatche is also set to return to his mother team, the Xinjiang Flying Tigers of the Chinese Basketball Association.

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