Matthew Wright
inquirer.net
Games Today
(Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex)
6:30 p.m. – Qatar vs China
9 p.m. – Gilas Pilipinas vs Iraq
11:30 p.m. – India vs Jordan
2 a.m. – Syria vs Iran
As brilliant as Terrence Romeo was during the Gilas Pilipinas’ masterful and unforgettable 96-87 win over Asian powerhouse China 2017 in the Fiba Asia Cup, Cebuano assistant coach Ryan Betia believes the gameplan of head coach Chot Reyes was just as instrumental in getting the job done.
Reyes’ leadership down the stretch, a crucial point especially after China grabbed the lead 87-84 after trailing by as much as 17 points, was sublime, said Betia in an exclusive talk just hours after the monumental game.
“Coach Chot said to just stay focused since we knew China would make a run. Kailangan next play mentality din and dapat, make good decisions lang,” said Betia, who started off as an assistant with the University of San Carlos before eventually making his way to Manila to work as an assistant with the Far Eastern University Tamaraws.
As crisply as the ball moved in the first half, the Gilas settled on more isolation plays, something Betia recalled as part of their strategy.
“In the second half, we just went to the mismatches since they were switching the picks. China just managed to rally because they only made two out of their eight attempts from the three-point area during the third,” shared Betia.
At the end of the day, though, it was Romeo’s heroics that pushed the Gilas past the Chinese as he scored eight straight in crunchtime to avert the collapse.
As great as the win was, Betia echoed what Reyes hammered home to his squad.
“It was good, but up to that moment only because we have another game to focus on again,” said Betia referring to their clash against Iraq today.