The Gilas Pilipinas gained some much-needed momentum as they bounced back from their unimpressive performance against the PBA select team last Wednesday by beating Kazakhstan, 92-89, in their final tune-up game last Friday evening at the Araneta Coliseum.
Guard Jason Castro, castigated by head coach Chot Reyes for his listless performance in their last game, showed that he was worthy of a spot on the national team as he sliced and diced his way to 20 points.
Lefty gunner Jeff Chan also had 20, including a crucial three-pointer that did the Kazahks in during the game’s late moments.
The Gilas needed the win especially after their performance against the PBA select squad that left a lot to be desired, which prompted Reyes to call out his guards, especially the Talk N’ Text stalwart who was benched for the entire second half after committing five turnovers in the first half.
Castro promptly answered the criticism with a fiery game that saw him make mincemeat out of the Kazakhs perimeter defense before going down with an ankle injury with 1:36 left in the match and the Gilas trailing by one.
Still, the Gilas did not blink and took the driver’s seat after two freethrows by Jimmy Alapag.
Then, after a great defensive stand, Chan sealed the win with a booming three-pointer that gave them a four-point lead. Larry Fonacier had 14 while Alapag added 12 for the Gilas.
The Fiba Asia Men’s Championship starts on Wednesday at the MOA Arena.