Marcial laments Gilas' lack of intensity in latter part of game vs Aussies

MANILA, Philippines — PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial is just like most spectators.

If not putting in hours as the league’s chieftain, he is also, like most of us, a basketball fan.

And after watching Gilas Pilipinas take on the Boomers during the Australian Embassy’s viewing party at the SM Aura Sky Park in Bonifacio Global City, Marcial was game to share his insights over the 84-68 loss.

“Kulang tayo ng intensity sa dulo,” the Commissioner said.

The Filipinos, after leading the Aussies sometime in the first half, just couldn’t find a groove in the second. They fell by double digits as the final buzzer sounded, giving up what could’ve been an unblemished record in a bid to return to basketball’s global tourney.

Marcial also rued the lackluster performance of big man Andray Blatche. “Konting conditioning pa si Andray, puwede na nating labanan ‘yon.”

The naturalized cager, after a sharp first half, had an anemic showing towards the end of the game. It was evident that he was simply out of gas during many sequences.

Blatche had eight points and seven boards in nearly 26 minutes of action.

“Delikado sila (Australia) sa atin sa July 2,” he offered.

Gilas has a another go at the Boomers on July 2 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan for the qualifiers' third window.