Mark Pingris: We have to keep our heads up. Must Read This!

The 84-93 thrashing to World No. 5 France in the opener of the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament scarcely put a gouge on Gilas Pilipinas' assurance.

Also, that ought to serve the Filipinos in great stead as they battle for survival against New Zealand Wednesday night on Day Two of the competition that dangles a spot in the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

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The Filipinos declined to sulk even after the misfortune to the powerhouse French group drove by NBA players Tony Parker and Boris Diaw, rapidly changing their center to what is required to be another dogfight with the Tall Blacks.

"I told the group, we need to keep our heads up in light of the fact that we played well," forward Marc Pingris told the Inquirer in Filipino before boarding the group transport.

"We lost however we learned and we need to skip back tomorrow since its a do-or-bite the dust amusement."

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Much to the pleasure of the sellout swarm that included President Rodrigo Duterte, the Filipinos got off to a shining begin, driving by upwards of 10 focuses in the opening time frame behind Andray Blatche.

"I think we could have beaten them (France)," Pingris said.

"When we were playing the running amusement, we got the lead since they couldn't deal with our velocity. We expected to run since they were the greater group."

Display: Philippines versus France in FIBA OQT bunch stage

For sure, Gilas played with a surprise early, yet couldn't discover another rigging as the French systematically dismantled the Filipinos in the second half.

Still, the Filipinos were in the thick of the battle heading into the most recent three minutes when they were just around four, 81-85, preceding the French scored inside wicker container to seal the diversion.

"We were up by 10 and we loose and we got childish," said Blatche who completed with 21 focuses and eight bounce back.

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"We lost our control on both offense and guard and France simply continued assaulting us."

"We didn't move the ball," said heavy weapons specialist Jeff Chan, who represented three of Gilas' 11 treys. "Mentor let us know we lost our lead since we played an excessive amount of one on one."

Protect Jayson Castro said eliminating turnovers ought to place Gilas in a decent position to win against New Zealand.

Perused: New Zealand more careful about Gilas Pilipinas

"Perhaps we ought to restrain our turnovers since we had an excessive number of in this diversion," said Castro, alluding to the 18 mistakes of Gilas.

Blatche is unyielding that Gilas reacts with a solid exertion on both closures of the floor against New Zealand.

"We are disillusioned however we have a chance tomorrow. We simply need to win by any methods vital," said Blatche.

                                              Source: Inquirer.net

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