Pros and Cons: Gilas Pilipinas defeats Ivory Coast in Torneo de Malaga rematch

Gilas Pilipinas ended their Spain training camp on a winning note against the Ivory Coast, 73-63. It is a positive sign that the nine-man roster of Coach Yeng Guiao clinched their third victory in four outings. But that's not the only upside that Team Philippines showed in their Torneo de Malaga closer.

The Pros

1) Defense - Gilas was able to limit the Ivorians to less than 20 points in three of the four quarters. Coach Paolo Povia's wards were able to tally 21 markers in the final period but our squad also had the same number of points. By increasing their defensive tenacity, the Philippine men's basketball team limited their opponents to 36.4% shooting from two-point range and 26.3% from three point land. 

In the first half alone, the Ivory Coast shot only 33.3% (7/21) from the field. Likewise, Gilas was able to force 14 turnovers and did a better job in regulating their fouls. Poy Erram was the only one in foul trouble with four infractions. Japeth Aguilar also deserves special mention by protecting the rim.

2) Less turnovers - Gilas only had seven turnovers the entire game. That's a big improvement from the 18 they committed in their loss against Congo. The nearly faultless performance lessened the Ivorian's chances to climb back into the match. Our squad was simply in cruise control once they gained the lead and never looked back.

3) Bolick scorches once more - Jayson Castro's non-inclusion is a big loss for Gilas. But the Northport Batang Pier rookie is proving that he could be an heir apparent to The Blur. After scoring 21 points against the Congolese, the former San Beda Red Lion led the squad once again with 19 points on 80% (4/5) shooting from two and 33% (1/3) clip from three. He also made all eight free throws attempts and collected seven rebounds in the win.

The Cons

1) Poor three-point shooting - Gilas had a better shooting performance from the three-point line in their only loss. After converting eight opposite Congo, they were able to collect just five in as many attempts (26) in their closer. The players must be feeling the fatigue caused by a short rotation and that could be the case why the sniping from trey isn't hitting bullseye. This should be a concern that must be addressed if we are to have a better chance of defeating our taller and bigger opponents in the FIBA World Cup.

2) Bench points - While Gilas led the game from wire to wire, the Ivory Coast's reserves performed better. They tallied 26 points against the Philippines' 13. There should be offensive production throughout the game, regardless of who's on the floor for Team Pilipinas. Any scoreless droughts against Italy, Serbia, or Angola might spell the difference between winning and losing.