Gilas Pilipinas suffered a crushing 85-89 loss to Bahrain in their opening match of the 20th Asian Games. The game took place at the Aichi International Arena, marking the first time the Philippine team has competed in the event. The defeat was described as a "horror debut" by coach Chot Reyes, who criticized the team's performance and lack of preparation.
Key player Japeth Balanay, known for his scoring ability, was held in check by Bahrain's defense, contributing little to the team's offensive efforts. Coach Cone admitted that injuries, including a warm-up injury to key player Jervy Bolick, affected the team's readiness. Bolick, who landed awkwardly during pre-game warm-ups, failed to score and struggled to impact the game.
The loss highlights the challenges facing Gilas Pilipinas as they aim to qualify for the next round. With only one game played, the team faces a daunting path ahead. The result has sparked discussions about the need for better preparation and strategy ahead of the tournament.
