SEABA Crown

Powerhouse Gilas,  Indonesia dispute

MANILA, Philippines -  Beating Gilas Pilipinas is highly improbable but not impossible.

With that in mind, the Indonesians are eager to come out to give their best shot in a do-or-die game that they feel present them an opportunity to score an upset.

“The Philippines has a high reputation in the game of basketball. But we’re playing just a 40-minute game, that could be a game-changer,” said Indon naturalized player Jamarr Johnson on the eve of the gold-medal game between Team Phl and Indonesia.

The Nationals seemed to exert just enough effort in disposing of Vietnam, 107-52, in their final warm-up for their game versus the Indonesians at the close of the SEABA Championship at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.

Game time is at 7 p.m.

“It’s basketball. We’ll put in our best from the beginning to the end, and see what happens,” said Indon-American Arki Wisnu.

But for sure, Gilas will come out at its best to complete a SEABA sweep and formalize entry into the Asian “WC” qualifier where it is headed to a grouping with Australia, Japan and Chinese Taipei in the first round.

“We can win by one (against Indonesia), get the job done to make the FIBA Asia and we’ll be happy,” said Gilas coach Chot Reyes, insisting though that they will not take the Indons lightly.

“From day one, we took a look at their roster. We know that it is a roster that you can’t take for granted. That’s why we built the team that we built,” said Reyes.

“They’re very well coached. They have a heady point guard who’s long been around, not afraid to take over in the clutch. They have couples of guys who can shoot from the outside. Then there’s Jamarr who is their energy guy,” Reyes added.

Reyes rested Andray Blatche in the Gilas-Vietnam game for him to be fresh for today’s game.

“Jamarr has no minutes on his legs and he’s got to be fresh. The key is to keep with his motor. That’s why we rested Andray,” said Reyes.

Johnson and Wisnu finally saw action in the tourney yesterday and helped power the Indonesians to a 123-50 demolition of Myanmar that kept them in contention for the title and the regional slot to the coming Asian World Cup qualifying series.

The Indonesian naturalized player scored 17 points on 8-of-11 clip and also came up with seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block against two errors in 22 minutes of action. Wisnu contributed seven points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting.

“The Philippines is hard to beat. But we’ll try and not give up,” said Indonesian coach Wahyu Widayat Jati, not ruling out their win especially if they’re able to dish out their best and they catch the Filipinos in their off night.

Jati is thankful Johnson and Wisnu were able to get their FIBA clearance in time for their game against the home team.

 “It’s really good for us. We’re playing with our full strength and I hope they (Johnson and Wisnu) can give us energy,” said Jati.

Johnson said he would play the best he can to help prop up the Indonesians.

“We’re going to play with our hearts out. We’ll do what we can for us to win. I’ll do whatever it is that I need to do be it rebounding, defending or scoring,” said Johnson.

The Indonesians kept pace with Gilas through the first six days of competition, rolling past Singapore, 71-50; Malaysia, 63-42; Thailand, 60-59; Vietnam, 95-52; and Myanmar to assure themselves of at least the silver medal.

Indonesia is a one-time SEABA champ in 1996 at home in Surabaya, and has had four runner-up finishes behind the Philippines in 2005, 2009, 2011 and 2013.

The Indonesians, however, missed a podium finish in the last two editions of this Asian sub-zonal event.