The character of the Gilas Pilipinas has been tested. National coach Yeng Guiao said this after the second tuneup game between Gilas Pilipinas’ and Jordan’s game was called off in the fourth quarter last Wednesday night at the Meralco Gym in Pasig City.
“It’s a test of character and I felt that this is the kind of character that we need for the team,” said Guiao.
Gilas led at 82-73 with 6:26 remaining, when Guiao and Jordan mentor Joseph Steibing got into an altercation.
The argument started when Jordanian player tossed the ball at Scottie Thompson.
“We were able to catch up and in the fourth quarter, we were already in the lead by double digits. It’s a tribute to them (Jordanians) not wanting to be embarrassed in a situation like this,” said Guiao.
On Friday, Gilas next plays Lebanon in a two-game series.
During their second game with Jordan, Gilas overcame a 17-point deficit with a 31-4 blitz for a 69-59 lead with 2:32 left in the third.
Guiao felt that Lebanese players were intimidating and bullying their players throughout the game.