Gilas wary of ‘incredibly motivated’ Guam in home defense

Gilas Pilipinas’ Kevin Quiambao (28)

(FIBA)

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas will aim to defend home court as they take on vengeful Guam at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City on Monday.

Gilas is coming off a 41-point demolition, 87-46, against Guam on Friday evening at the Calvo Fieldhouse.

After the Philippines’ rousing start to the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, head coach Tim Cone said that they are expecting Guam to come up “incredibly motivated” against the Nationals.

“Yeah, you know, that's the big thing about home in a way. You've got to follow it up. And, you know, if you look at the score, we're going to look at ourselves and have that opportunity to relax and not really come with it the second time around,” he told reporters.

“They're going to come incredibly motivated. But hopefully, you know, we have the home crowd that will get us pumped up,” he added.

Cone, who has the most PBA championships with 25, emphasized how the Philippine crowd loves basketball, and how it will be a big help for the national team.

“And, you know, you know, we love our basketball back home. Everybody knows and we're going to have a big sellout whenever Gilas plays. So we don't play at home very often. So when we do, everybody's excited to watch,” he said.

“So we're hoping that will be the thing that can generate our excitement to come back here and follow up this win.”

The Philippines and Guam are both in Group A, along with New Zealand and Australia.

Since the top three teams at the end of the third window will progress to the second round, a win by the Philippines will be a huge boost ahead of the second window, which will tip off in February next year.