Baldwin rues Gilas lack of discipline in loss to Iran

MANILA, Philippines -- Gilas Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin pointed to the team's lack of discipline as the main culprit of their loss to reigning FIBA Asia champion Iran. 

Baldwin rued the fact that they were always in the penalty situation in every quarter during their 65-74 loss to Iran on Thursday. 

"We're doing dumb things over & over. We were in penalty every quarter not because of what they were running but our lack of discipline," Baldwin said during the post-game press conference. 

READ: Haddadi, Iran extend mastery over Gilas in Jones Cup

Calvin Abueva, the energizer off the bench, only saw action for less than eight minutes due to foul trouble limiting him to just six points.  He led six Gilas players who committed three or more fouls. 

Gilas was hanging around Iran throughout the game but they rammed into errors every time they had a chance to strike and overtake. 

Gilas had 14 turnovers and gave up 27 fouls that led to 24 free throws attempted by Iran. They were still lucky that the Iranians could only hit 13 for a poor 54 percent clip. 

Led by Hamed Haddadi's 15 rebounds, the Iranians battered Gilas on the boards, 40-28.  Iran had 16 offensive boards that led to more possessions. 

"Everything is disciplined against this (Iran) team. There are no shortcuts against them," Baldwin said. 

Baldwin though still has time to develop Gilas' discipline before the 2015 FIBA Asia Men's Championship starts on Sept. 23.