GILAS Pilipinas has little time to savor its biggest win so far in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
The Philippines may have put Kazakhstan away, 109-78, but the defending champions’ attention has already shifted to a far more formidable opponent: China.
Gilas entered Saturday’s game needing a response after surrendering an 89-85 decision to Bahrain in its opening Group C assignment. It delivered one in emphatic fashion, producing its most complete offensive performance of the tournament to restore its chances of reaching the quarterfinals.
The victory was built on a balanced attack, with Robert Bolick and Jerrick Ahanmisi leading the charge.
Bolick, who had been dealing with a knee concern, came through with 20 points, while Ahanmisi torched Kazakhstan from beyond the arc, sinking seven three-pointers for 22 points.
Calvin Oftana added 12 points, following his 31-point effort against Bahrain. Sedrick Barefield chipped in 11 points, five assists and four rebounds, while Zavier Lucero supplied 10 points and nine rebounds.
The 31-point margin could prove just as valuable as the victory itself.
With only the top two teams in each group plus the two best third-place finishers advancing, point differential could become a decisive factor. Gilas is now in a much healthier position after the rout of Kazakhstan.
But China presents the biggest obstacle yet.
The Chinese squad is unbeaten at 2-0 and took care of Bahrain, 105-59, after previously defeating Kazakhstan, 99-61. The results underline the gap Gilas must try to close when the teams meet Monday.
A win would put the Philippines at 2-1 and virtually settle its quarterfinal fate. A defeat would leave the door open, but the manner of that loss could determine whether Gilas survives the group stage.
Tim Cone will therefore need more than the hot perimeter shooting that overwhelmed Kazakhstan.
Gilas must deal with China’s size, pressure and depth while controlling the boards and limiting turnovers. Bolick’s health, Ahanmisi’s shooting and Oftana’s scoring will again be crucial, but the Philippines will need contributions across the roster.
The victory over Kazakhstan gave Gilas a second life.
Against China, it gets its chance to prove that the gold-medal defense is still very much alive.
