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Games Thursday (May 11)
(Morodok Techo Elephant Hall 2)
3 p.m. local time / 4 p.m. Manila time – Singapore vs. Philippines (women)
5 p.m. local time / 6 p.m. Manila time – Philippines vs. Cambodia (men)
PHNOM PENH. – Gilas Pilipinas’ bid for redemption will be put to a severe test when it battles Cambodia Thursday in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games men’s basketball tilt at the Morodok Techo Elephant Hall 2 here.
Both teams will go into the match set at 5 p.m. (local time) on a high, having started their campaigns on a high.
Gilas smothered Malaysia last Tuesday 94-49 while Cambodia, coming off a golden win in the 3×3 event last Sunday, trounced Singapore 85-60 Wednesday.
Cambodia has strengthened its team with naturalized players Sayeed Pridgett, Brandon Peterson, and Darrin Dorsey, members of the 3×3 squad that beat the Philippines in the men’s finals.
Three more naturalized players are also in the Cambodian team, according to Gilas coach Chot Reyes.
“They are a tough team,” Reyes said. “You saw the three guys in the 3×3. They have another three. They have like six naturalized players. They are going to be a handful.
“We have to be able to adjust and pivot during the game. We have very little knowledge about their games as a team. We have some information as individuals, but as a team, very little. It’s really a matter of how we can adapt. Our adaptability is going to be tested,” said Reyes.
On Wednesday, Gilas was forced to look for another venue for practice after organizers set a morning practice at an outdoor court.
Reyes has also expressed concern over the basketball playing surface, which is usually used in volleyball and badminton games.
“We shouldn’t be playing on a surface like this. This is the situation that we are dealt with. We just have to embrace and accept it,” said Reyes.
Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser topscored against Malaysia with 15 points and Justin Brownlee added 11 points. Michael Phillips was also impressive with nine points and 15 rebounds.
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