HANGZHOU - The Gilas Pilipinas support group came almost in full force for its campaign in the 19th Asian Games.
The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Board led by chairman Ricky Vargas arrived for the quadrennial meet to watch and support the national team.
The group stayed for just a few days to catch up on Gilas play Southeast Asia rival Thailand in its second game in the preliminary.
The Filipinos turned back the Thais, 89-72, for their second straight win in Pool C.
Vargas, also chairman of the Alliance of Boxing Association in the Philippines (ABAP), came in much earlier as he joined Gilas Pilipinas in its trip from Manila to this capital city of China's Zhejiang province.
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Joining him later were vice chairman Bobby Rosales, Atty. Raymond Zorilla (Phoenix), also Board treasurer, Robert Non (San Miguel), Siliman Sy (Blackwater), Atty. Bill Pamintuan (Meralco), Rod Franco (NLEX), and Eric Arejola (Northport).
Atty. Mamerto Mondragon (Rain or Shine), Archen Cayabyab (Converge), and Rene Pardo (Magnolia) were not able to travel with the group.
San Miguel Corporation (SMC) sports director Alfrancis Chua, who is also Barangay Ginebra board of governor, serves as Gilas team manager, while league commissioner Willie Marcial is deputy team manager.
The Board left for Manila on Friday. (RG)
