Thailand's Tyler Lamb itching for Gilas rematch

KUALA LUMPUR – Thai naturalized player Tyler Lamb is aching for a rematch with Team Philippines.

The sweet-shooting 6-foot-5 gunner said they’re sights are still set on winning the gold medal despite their 74-81 loss to the Gilas cadet squad in their group stage match on opening day of the 29th SEA Games men’s basketball competition.

“That’s my goal. That’s our goal to get to the championship and bring home the gold in Thailand,” said the Ontario, California native, who played college ball with the UCLA then with Long Beach State.

“We’re looking at our first ever gold in basketball. That would mean everything to me. That’s our goal. That’s our team is working towards,” he added.

He’s aching for another shot versus the Filipinos especially as he missed the homestretch of their well-fought match Sunday after fouling out with over four minutes left to play.

He fired four three-pointers and a total of 17 markers before incurring his fifth and final foul.

He rued fouling out and the loss.

“Every game after the Philippine game is a championship because we have to win every game in order to play the Philippines in the championship,” Lamb said.

He’s confident, though, that they will make it past the semifinals and play the Philippines in the gold-medal match.

“I’m excited,” he said although he’s not completely looking beyond their semifinal game with Indonesia.

“They’re (the Indons) are talented, too. I watched their couples of games. They’re an athletic team. Ours is athletic also. It’s gonna be a hard fought game,” he said.

“But I think if we come out, play hard and do what we’re supposed to do, I have lot of trust in our guys we’ll win this game,” he added.

He also believes they’d be ready against the Philippines.