Members of Team Philippines need to work on their composure when it comes to games that are heavy with physical matchups.
National coach Yeng Guiao took note of this after Team Pilipinas dropped its first tune-up match to visiting Jordan, 92-99, Monday evening at the Meralco Gym in Ortigas, Pasig City.
Guiao believes that his players need to be in control and composed when games are close and their opponents have the lead.
“Nakita naman natin na halos nagkakapikunan na. And that’s very close to what will happen in the games themselves,” said Guiao.
Gilas stayed close by three in the last 3:21 left in the fourth quarter.
But the Jordanians, through Zaid Abbas, had a 7-0 run and took charge, 89-79.
Abbas shot 10 of his team-high 24 points in the fourth quarter.
“So, even mentally, you’re able to exercise controlling your emotions, you’re able to condition your mind to take that kind of physicality that you will face against Kazakhstan and Iran,” added Guiao.
Gilas will play Jordan again in another tune-up this Wednesday.
They are preparing for the fifth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Nov. 30 against Kazakhstan and Dec. 3 versus Iran.
Gilas, which has a 5-3 record, will host Kazakhstan (3-5) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.