Embattled Gilas seeks redemption at home

MANILA, Philippines — It’s been a while since Gilas Pilipinas and its faithful enjoyed a “home party” in a FIBA gig.

The last one happened back in December, when the Nationals hammered out a 95-71 conquest of Guam at the Blue Eagle Gym for their second match in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers’ Round 1 opening window.

Their last two outings on home soil – for the third window of the WCQ – saw the Filipinos losing to New Zealand (66-69) last Feb. 26 and Australia (66-93) three nights later, both at the MOA Arena.

Now as they proceed to Round 2 hostilities later this month, the charges of coach Tim Cone get their chance to give home supporters another treat.

With the Philippines awarded hosting rights for all Group E matches in the fourth window at the MOA Arena, Gilas will relish home court advantage when they play Jordan on Aug. 28 and Iran on Aug. 30.

The twin assignments will be critical in the Pinoy cagers’ drive for a ticket to next year’s global extravaganza.

After the first round hostilities, Cone’s troops sit at fifth in Group E with eight points on two wins and four losses – outside the qualifying cutline.

The Boomers, with 12 points on a perfect 6-0 card, lead the six-team bracket followed by the Iranians and the Jordanians with identical 11-pointers off 5-1 records and the Tall Blacks (10 points on 4-2) who are two markers ahead of the Philippines. Syria also sports eight points on 4-2.

“Very crucial games for us,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Erika Dy. “Hopefully we’ll get the full support.”