Gilas Pilipinas faces a tall order against Australia as it tries to bounce back following a tough loss to New Zealand in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Sunday, March 1.
CJ Perez lamented the heartbreaking 69-66 loss of Gilas Pilipinas against New Zealand on Thursday, vowing to bounce back in their next assignment in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
The San Miguel Beermen guard scored 10 points in the first half alone, before getting into foul trouble in the second half.
Perez said he focused on his role defensively, given the physicality of the Tall Blacks.
"We're grateful na lumaban kami, dalawang possession lang. For sure sa next game i-cocorrect namin mistakes namin lalo na sa last quarter," he told reporters after the game at the Mall of Asia Arena.
"I think actually wala ako sa scouting nila. Ang ano ko dun is dumepensa, yun yung role ko ngayong araw. Nagkaroon ng bonus na nakaka-score ako. Yung team effort, ang dun, yung depensa talaga namin.... I think worth it naman, pero nakulangan lang ng konti. We're happy na na-execute namin yung depensa namin," Perez added.
The four-time PBA champion assured Gilas will learn from their mistakes, saying he will be ready for whatever role he will have against Australia.
"Hindi naman pwede ma-ano sa muntik eh. Kailangan namin mag-move on for next game. Kailangan namin mag-focus, mag-move forward para sa Australia. Nakakalungkot na di kami nanalo pero may chance bumawi," Perez said.
"Anytime naman, kahit saan naman ako ilagay, I'm ready to play. And gagawin ko lagi yung best call para sa bayan," he added.
Gilas will face the Boomers in a crucial game on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Before Gilas Pilipinas hosts Australia in the Fiba World Cup Qualifiers, China and Chinese-Taipei will square off at 4 p.m. here at Mall of Asia Arena #FIBAWC
There’s no such thing as a moral victory for Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone, especially not in the crucial stages of the 2027 Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
A lot can be said about the Philippines’ narrow 69-66 loss to New Zealand at the Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday night, a result that could have gone either way.
The Filipinos limited the Tall Blacks to under 70 points by playing unrelenting defense. And it was the Philippines that actually brought the fight to New Zealand, even if Justin Brownlee clearly struggled offensively.
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