EVEN while in bubble training in Ilocos Norte, TnT Tropang Giga made sure to collectively support Gilas Pilipinas in its FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers campaign.
The team adjusted its training schedule at the Laoag Centennial Arena from evening to early afternoon last Wednesday in order to watch together the national team's game against South Korea held at the Angeles University Foundation gym.
Like the rest of the basketball-loving Filipinos, the entire Tropang Giga rejoiced as Gilas Pilipinas eked out a thrilling 81-78 victory behind the game-winning three-pointer of guard SJ Belangel at the buzzer.
"We made sure to move practice so we can match and support Gilas," said team manager Gaby Cui.
"Dapat 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. kami, but we practiced from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m."
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TnT coach Chot Reyes, the former Gilas Pilipinas mentor, complemented the crucial adjustments made by coach Tab Baldwin especially after the Filipinos trailed by as many as 17 points.
"Great heart by the boys. Future is bright," posted Reyes in his Instagram account.
Incidentally, three of TnT players in Troy Rosario, Roger Pogoy, and Poy Erram suited up for Gilas during the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers last year in Indonesia pre-pandemic.
Handled by former TnT active consultant Mark Dickel, the national team whipped the Indons at home, 100-70. (RG)
