Gilas Pilipinas fall 68-79 to Cambodia

Darrin Dorsey

The Philippines men's basketball team have suffered their first loss of the 2023 SEA Games, falling 68-79 to Cambodia in their second preliminary round game of the tournament. A strong opening period from the hosts meant the Filipinos were in chase mode from the get-go, watching as Cambodia surged to a 26-14 lead. While the Pilipinas struggled to get their own shots to land the Cambodians soared with 3x3 gold medallist Darrin Dorsey (188-PG-1987, college: DWU, agency: Diamond Sports), proving to be a particularly formidable foe. The naturalised player finished the game on top with 22 points, seven assists and four rebounds. After going on a 9-0 run in the third, the Cambodians tightened the screw, at one point extending their lead to 20 points. Despite the Pilipinas' best attempts to close the gap, the hotly contested game concluded the way of Cambodia leaving the Philippines with much to chew as they mull their gold-medal bid, sitting 1-1 after two games. Their next match against Singapore will be a must-win if they are to keep their medal hopes alive. Speaking after the game to Olympics.com Philippines head coach Chot Reyes said: "I am not making any excuses. There were players who were affected by the conditions, Justin Brownlee (197-F-1988, college: St.John's) one of them, and there were too many slip-ups here and there. We just have to get over this. Prepare better, look at the hydration of the players and move to the next match. "We're still in it and when we hit the knockout stages we have to be tighter. The conditions are one thing, but it is the same for everybody, so we just have to get over it." The Gilas Pilipinas will return to action on Saturday 13 May for their third and final preliminary round game against Singapore, which tips off at 13:00 (ICT).
Courtesy of: olympics.com

Tags : DARRIN DORSEY, ORTHODOX AMMAN, CAMBODIAN BASKETBALL