Nationals suffer first defeat in Lithuanian training camp

The Gilas Pilipinas hit a snag in its preparation for the Fiba Asia Men’s Championship as it suffered its first loss on this Lithuanian training camp, 86-89, to the LSU-Batai last Sunday evening at the Svyturo Arena in Klaipeda, Lithuania.

The Nationals were not able to control the hot-hands of their Lithuanian opponents, leading to 15 made three-point shots, five of which were swished in by Vidmantas Sragauskis.

According to head coach Chot Reyes, his squad was starting to feel the effects of the rigid training camp. How they respond, though, will ultimately determine how they will fare in the upcoming Men’s Championship, which will be staged in Manila in August.

“89-86. Just like that week 1 is done. 9 practices, 3 games. Now the tediousness, homesickness and fatigue are kicking in,” said Reyes in his Twitter account.

So far, the Gilas are 2-1 (win-loss) on this trip with previous wins against Klapeidos Neptunas, (81-76) and Birstono Jazz-Diremta (74-63). Next up for the Gilas will be a game against Lithuania’s under-20 national squad today at the same venue. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio