Sep 18, 2023

Bolts test Gilas mettle in tune-up ahead of Asian Games

MERALCO plays Gilas Pilipinas in a tune-up match both teams needed before they embark on their respective overseas campaign.

The Bolts and the national team clash at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna at 1 p.m. on Tuesday where Gilas has been holed up since Saturday for a six-day training camp prior to the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

This will be the first tune up for the men's team since it got its training going for the Asiad last week under interim coach Tim Cone.

On Friday, Gilas takes on the visiting Changwon LG Sakers featuring Filipino Justin Gutang and former NBA player Dante Cunningham.

Meralco meanwhile, is preparing for its bid in the Doha International Basketball Championship, where it will represent the country against some of the top club teams in Asia.

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Coach Luigi Trillo said the friendly against the national team should be a good opportunity for the Bolts to see where they are now in terms of training and conditioning for the Qatar meet set to start on Sept. 25.

"It's an opportunity for us to grow as a team. It's going to test us as a team," he said. "And those things are good for our maturity, our growth, and a chance to get better."

The Bolts will be up against Middle East squads in the Doha meet led by multi-titled club team Sagesse of Lebanon.

Incidentally, both Gilas and Meralco are leaving the country on Saturday (Sept. 23) (RG)