Gilas beats Indonesia, 76-51 – July 18, 2021

‘Game Highlights’

It was supposed to be an easy Game for Gilas, after all the other South East Asian (SEA) Countries prefer to patronize Football rather than Basketball. But it certainly didn’t look like it in the first 2 Quarters when Gilas couldn’t pull away from the Indonesians. It was only in the 2nd Half when they finally started the rout against Indonesia. 

Most of the Gilas Players shot poorly from the Floor, not sure if this was just due to Complacency and Fatigue, or could be also due to the good Defense that Indonesian Coach Rajko Toroman instilled with his Team. 

‘Player Highlights’

Dwight Ramos continues to be the Anchor for Gilas for 2 National Teams now, contributing in double Figures in both Points and Rebounds for the Team. His 12 Rebounds was also the Team best for the Game.

Angelo Kouame may not contribute as much as the Naturalized Players of other Teams, but he is consistent, contributing in double figures in terms of Points for Gilas. 

Justine Baltazar played well also, scoring in double figures and grabbing 9 Rebounds, 2nd best in the team behind that of Ramos. 

Ramos, Baltazar and Kouame were the only Gilas Players who scored in double figures against Indonesia. 

SJ Belangel, the Hero of Gilas’ 1st Game against South Korea, had an Off Day this time around, hitting only 1 out of his 7 or 14% Field Goals (FG) in the Game.

While Belangel was off, the other Point Guard RJ Abbarientos made up for it by having a pretty good Game, scoring some Points and dishing out a Team high 6 Assists. 

Kai Sotto also had an Off Game, hitting only 2 of his 7 FGs (29%) and again hopelessly outplayed by Indonesia’s Naturalized Player Lester Prosper. Within Gilas itself he was outplayed by Baltazar. 

Jordan Heading was a big bust in his debut with Gilas, hitting only 1 out of 5 FGs (20%). But I won’t count him out yet for Gilas, especially with his pretty good background, having played in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL). 

Carl Tamayo, one of the Players who played well against the 1st SK Game, also had a miserable time from the Floor, hitting only 2 out of 7 FGs (29%). Plus he twisted his Ankle in the Game and thus would likely be out for Gilas’ last Game this Qualifiers. 

Lebron Lopez had a decent debut for Gilas, hitting all of his 2 FGs and grabbing 5 Rebounds in the Game. I actually expected Coach Tab Baldwin to field him in sooner in the 1st Half when they were struggling with their offense.