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| Gilas capped its "Calambubble" for its upcoming homestand by beating Meralco in a tune-up game. Inspire Sports Academy (file photo) |
MANILA--Gilas Pilipinas showed its readiness for the November window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers after trouncing Meralco, 96-82, in a tune-up game on Monday night at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba City.
Based on the information Dugout Philippines obtained the night later, Gilas, despite only playing with 11 active men, made quick work of the Bolts and blew them out early on before settling for the 14-point win.
Japeth Aguilar and Mason Amos were activated for the game in place of the already ruled-out Jamie Malonzo and the injured AJ Edu, whose availability for Gilas' Thursday night clash against New Zealand at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay is in peril.
Kai Sotto was also among the Gilas men who played against Meralco, confirming earlier reports, the others being Scottie Thompson, June Mar Fajardo, Dwight Ramos, Justin Brownlee, Carl Tamayo, Chris Newsome, Kevin Quiambao, and CJ Perez.
Calvin Oftana did not play for Gilas for undisclosed reasons.
Ange Kouame, who was called up to the Gilas pool for this window, played for the Bolts instead being their EASL naturalized player quota.
Gilas already ended its training bubble at the said facility inside the National University campus in the said city.
The national team is expected to name its 12-man lineup against New Zealand on Wednesday, although it is very likely that the squad that faced Meralco plus Oftana will be in it.
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