On September 5, Gilas Pilipinas will play its fifth and last game against Senegal in the 2014 FIBA World Cup.
The game will start at 4 p.m. GMT with live streaming available on Watch ESPN, Live Basketball.TV and Solar Sports.
During the Philippine team's last game against Puerto Rico on September 3, they lost 77-73, making their record 0-4 in the tournament.
The Philippines has never lost to Senegal in the international basketball scene. The two countries have played against each other twice in the Olympics. The first was in 1968 at the Mexico Games where the Philippines won 80-68. The second was in 1972 at the Olympics in Munich where the Philippines also won, 68-62.
So far in the 2014 FIBA games, Senegal came up with big upsets in winning against Croatia 77-75 and Puerto Rico 82-75. The Philippine team has an average height of 6'4" and age of 30 years, while Senegal has an average height of 6'7" and age of 28 years. Senegal also has two NBA veterans, Hamade Ndiaye who is 7'0", and Gorgui Dieng, who stands 6'11". Gilas Pilipinas has the advantage of speed and backcourt support, while Senegal has the height and athletic advantage.
According to sports columnist Enzo Flojo, Philippines can win against Senegal (2-1) if they use their players properly and take good shots. Jayson Castro William's speed and playmaking abilities will be essential in securing a victory for the team. Flojo shared that Gilas Pilipinas has a slight upper hand against the Senegal because of their guards. Andray Blatche will be the main force in the frontcourt, while William and L.A. Tenorio will set up and possibly hit long range threes whenever convenient.
In a report by The Epoch Times, Coach Chot Reyes said that their inexperience of the Philippines, and the highly skilled professional players of the opposing teams were among the factors that led to their losing streak. The Philippines has not appeared in the World Cup in 36 years, so both coach and players have to adjust to the new environment. Reyes said after their fourth loss, "We fought hard. Effort was there, but it wasn't enough."
According to ABS CBN News, among all the five teams that Gilas Pilipinas will face in the first round, Senegal is the lowest ranked at No. 41. Philippines is currently ranked at No. 34. Overall, it is expected to be a very tight match between the two.
Gambletron2000.com showed betting odds in favor of the Philippines at 54% and 46% in favor of Senegal.
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