Gilas Pilipinas coach Yeng Guiao took responsibility for the loss of the Philippine team in the Asian Games against South Korea, removing them from contention for a medal finish.
“I take responsibility for this loss,” Guiao said after the game.
Guiao said the team had a hard time adjusting to South Korea’s 3-2 matchup zone. The Koreans were also hitting their perimeter shooting scoring five three-pointers in the fourth quarter.
“We just weren’t comfortable with the zone. Even Jordan (Clarkson) had a lot of problems dealing with it. They just zoned us all game long. They stuck with the zone, lived and died with the zone, and we couldn’t adjust in time,” Guiao said.
In another interview with Unang Hirit, Guiao underscored that the loss was not because of the players.
“Nagsusumikap man tayo makuha ‘yong rebound, siguro mas matangkad din sila sa ‘tin ng konti. Nakuha nila ‘yong rebound at tayo eh nag-scramble na lang. Doon ang difference,” he said.
“‘Di ko masisi ang mga bata. Mga bata natin pinaglaban talaga ‘yong maipagmalki sana natin sila, maging proud tayo, pero kapos talaga. Kulang tayo sa oras at napakagagaling ng mga Koreano,” he added.
On Monday, August 27, Gilas suffered a loss against South Korea, 91-82, afther the latter utilized their perimeter shooting, a skill their team is known for having.
The Gilas Pilipinas team was narrowly leading South Korea by a point entering the fourth quarter, 65-64, before their opponents began to gain confidence in their outside shooting, which was absent during the first three quarters.
The Gilas team also faltered defensively by giving away steals and turnovers, giving more shooting opportunities for the Koreans. Gilas was outscored by 10 points in the fourth quarter, 27-17.
NBA star Jordan Clarkson’s 25 point output combined with Christian Standhardinger’s 16 points and 9 rebounds were not enough to stop the Korean scoring machines, Heo Ilyoung, Kim Junyl and Jeon Junbeom.
Ricardo Ratliffe, a former PBA import and a naturalized Korean player, led the way for South Korea after delivering a 30-point performance backed with 15 rebounds.
With the loss, the best finish possible for the Philippines is 5th, better than the 7th place finish of the team in Incheon four years ago.
The Philippines will face Japan next on Tuesday, August 28.
