FOSHAN – It wasn’t the most experienced or the strongest who put up the biggest fight in Gilas Pilipinas’ deflating 46-point blowout to Italy.
It was the greenest.
When the powerhouse Italians were running them to the ground, brave rookies CJ Perez and Robert Bolick thrashed the deer-in-the-headlights mode that seemed to have hit the team, chasing and diving for looseballs and attacking their predators without fear.
“If there’s anything that’s positive in the game, it’s our young guys played well,” Gilas coach Yeng Guiao said.
Columbian Dyip rookie sensation Perez shared scoring honors with Andray Blatche with 15 on a 7-of-12 shooting and led with three assists plus two rebounds in 17 minutes as Bolick had 6-2-1 in 14 minutes. Kiefer Ravena, playing his first game since the end of his 18-month suspension, also shone and accounted for five markers and two boards.
“Para sa amin, ginawa lang namin ang best (We just gave it our best),” said a disappointed Perez.
“Hindi kami masaya (We’re not happy with this),” said an angry Bolick. “Wala akong masabi (I’m at a loss for words). Bad trip.”
Blatche, who had 15 points and 10 rebounds against nine turnovers, owned up to the embarrassing loss.
“I take 100 percent responsibility in that game; no energy or puso. That’s on me. No excuses. I owe better to all of you,” Blatche posted on Twitter.