Uichico unhappy with Sinag's showing vs. Singapore
Sinag Pilipinas set its title-retention bid in the 27th SEA Games men’s basketball competitions in motion against a surprisingly tough Singapore Monday afternoon but head coach Jong Uichico is far from satisfied.
“We cannot play that way. Hindi na maka-score, hindi pa maka-depensa," he lamented, moments after the Nationals overcame a sluggish start and settled for a hard-earned 88-75 victory at the Zahar Thiri Indoor Stadium in the capital city of Nay Pyi Taw.
Far Eastern U forward Mac Belo banged in a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds while four other teammates, including naturalized center Marcus Douthit, contributed at least 10 markers but the Nationals still had to make big buckets in the stretch to foil the upset-conscious Singaporeans, who even took a 22-13 lead in the first canto.
The Singaporeans displayed fine shooting and repeatedly attacked the basket for easy buckets. Sinag also gave away several fouls which led to 30 free throw attempts for Singapore.
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Assistant coach Josh Reyes said on Instagram that the players were still used to PBA D-League standards when defending.
"Won our 1st game but played very poorly by our standards. Got to unlearn the PBA D-league type of D coz it gets called as a foul every time. Gave up too many FT's & Off Rebs."
The victory enabled the Philippines to join Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia in the early lead.
Aside from Singapore’s notable improvement, Uichico pointed out chemistry issues also affected the Nationals’ unimpressive showing.
“Give credit to Singapore, they've improved a lot,” stressed the Meralco Bolts consultant. “We also have certain chemistry issues, but it's all about mind-set. Hindi puwedeng isipin nating kayang-kaya ang kalaban. We have to realize na marunong din ang kalaban. Kung ganyan lagi ang iisipin natin baka maisahan tayo.”
How his charges respond to his call will known on Tuesday when the Nationals take on the Cambodians, who turned back host Myanmar 75-60 last Sunday.
“It's all about the state of mind. Hindi puwedeng masyado tayong relaxed, kasi 'Madali ang kalaban,’” stressed Uichico. “Tayo ang kalaban. Dapat ayusin natin ang sarili natin.”
