Tuesday, May 22, 2007 SMC-RP loses battle for third by 20
THE San Miguel-RP National Men’s squad ended its Tehran joust with another defeat, this time against Al Rayyan of Qatar, 75-95, in the final day of the 18th Fiba Asia Champions Cup held at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran, Iran.
Tired and worn-out, the Philippine squad tried everything but still failed short as the fresher and younger Qataris came out strong to salvage the third place trophy.
With the Qataris, made up mostly naturalized citizens, enjoying height advantage and aided with superior quickness, athleticism and good shooting, the Philippines had no chance in the transition and hustle plays.
As the RP team showed poor shooting from the onset, the Qataris managed to unleash rallies after rallies, the most telling of which a 17-5 run in the third period to give them a 67-44 lead en rout to taking the bronze medal.
Still, the team’s fourth place finish is an improvement on its fifth place finish when the country hosted the same tournament in 2005. The result is also expected to boost the country’s palce in Fiba’s world rankings. The country’ is currently at No. 55. Saba Battery of Iran won the title after beating Al Jalaa of Syria, 83-75.
Coach Chot Reyes believed the experience they gained from the Fiba Asia tournament is more than enough to carry them through their next assignment.
Lesson
“The number one lesson is the realization that we are at this point very far from the best Asian teams,” Reyes told www.pba.ph.
The Philippines ultimate goal is to make it to the Fiba Asia Men’s Championship in Tokushima, Japan on July 28 to August 5.
“If the Fiba Asia was played today, then our chances would be very slim. It is good that we learned these lessons now, while we still have two months to improve. At the end of our game, I just asked each player to think long and hard about where he is at this point and where he wants to be come July 28. Only by each individual improvement will the team improve,” said Reyes.
The Nationals are expected to play more games before they join the Japan tourney. (RCM)
