Philippines Vesus Kuwait

Here is an update about Philippine NT's training for the upcoming Tokushima Qualifying games.

5 p.m. – Kuwait vs. SMC-PilipinasThe San Miguel-Pilipinas Nationals showed that how ready they were for the FIBA-Asia Men's Championship by defeating the Kuwait national team 84-68 Friday night at the packed Sta. Lucia East Mall.The two teams meet a second time at the Caruncho Gym in Pasig on Saturday in matches arranged by PBA governor Buddy Encarnado. The game will serve as the Nationals' final tuneup before they leave for Tokushima, Japan, on July 25, according to the RP team management Friday night.SMC-RP faces Iran on July 28, defending champion China on July 29, and Jordan on July 30 in the preliminary round of the FIBA-Asia Championships, the qualifying tournament for the Beijing Olympic to be held in August 2008.In Friday's game, the Nationals applied the finishing touches to a grueling five-month long training hampered at times by injuries and buoyed by the addition to the pool of three key players.Thus they pulled away from the Kuwaitis early in the game, taking a 46-25 halftime spread.In the FIBA-Asia Championships, Kuwait is bracketed in Group B with host Japan, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates.National coach Vincent "Chot" Reyes viewed the games more as a commitment than as part of the immediate needs of the team."The Kuwaitis are nowhere near the teams we're preparing for," Reyes said. "They are small and quick while we're getting ready for tall opponents in Group A."Danny Seigle, hobbled by a hamstring pull and later an ankle sprain that kept him from suiting up for three weeks, saw limited action for the first time."He looked good. Kaya lang minedya-medya ko lang naman dahil nakakatakot eh," Reyes said. "Physical maglaro yung Kuwait at baka madisgrasya pa si Danny, eh paalis na tayo."At least three Kuwaiti players limped off the court with various injuries after the Nationals responded in kind to their opponents' bruising style.James Yap led the Nationals with 18 points. Seigle added 13, Renren Ritualo 13, Gabe Norwood 8, Ranidel De Ocampo 8, Asi Taulava 5, Eric Menk 4, Dondon Hontiveros 4, Tony Dela Cruz 4, Kelly Williams 3, and Jayjay Helterbrand 1.Mark Caguioa and Jimmy Alapag rested due to minor injuries and didn't play.
- GMANews.TV and
http://forums.interbasket.net/showthread.php?t=3990&page=5

GO TEAM PILIPINAS!!!!