Wuhan FIBA Asia caging: Gilas seeks revenge vs Taiwan

MANILA, Philippines - Gilas Pilipinas kicks off its FIBA World Cup buildup in the fifth FIBA Asia Cup in Wuhan, China today, raring to take on Chinese Taipei and erase the stigma of its shocking loss to the Taiwanese during the group plays in last year’s FIBA Asia Championship back home.

“It’s so disappointing because I was so eager to beat Chinese Taipei,” said Gilas coach Chot Reyes, recalling the sorry loss to the Taiwanese a few days after their historic second-place finish to Iran in the Asian meet.

Reyes hadwantedto beat the Taiwanese then because of the prevailing tension between Chinese Taipei and the Philippines sparked by the killing of a Taiwanese fisherman in disputed water near Batanes.

The tension prompted the Taiwanese to cancel their invitation to the Philippines to play in the Jones Cup, thus messing up Gilas Pilipinas’ FIBA Asia buildup.

Gilas has since shunned playing in the Jones Cup even with the resolution of the issue.

Gunners Lin Chih-chieh, Lu Cheng-ju and Tien Lei exploded for 60 points together as the Taiwanese stunned the Filipinos, 84-79, in the FIBA Asia Championship.

The Filipinas had been dominating the Taiwanese in their head-to-head matches until that sad night last August.

After almost two years, the Filipinos and the Taiwanese meet on the hard court again over in Wuhan with Chinese Taipei fielding a team still built around naturalized player Quincy Spencer Davis.

Gilas Pilipinas, Chinese Taipei and Jordan are expected to figure in a tough fight in their group for the two spots in the crossover semifinals.

In the other group, host China and reigning FIBA Asia champion Iran are heavily favored to advance.

After the Taipei game, Gilas Pilipinas will take on Singapore Monday then Jordan Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Reyes insists they’re not expecting much in the Wuhan competition because of their brief preparation and the tough field.

“For sure, China is playing with its full team and its full strength. China always wants to win the championship while playing at home,” said Reyes.

“Then, I’m sure teams like Iran, Jordan, Japan are also playing with their full team as they did the last time in Tokyo,” Reyes also said.

Naturalized player Marcus Douthit, nine PBA stars and two cadet players make up Reyes’ lineup for the Asia Cup.