CHENZHOU (FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2017) - Sareyyet Ramallah needed to overcome the frustrations of their opening day loss, and they did just that after beating Chooks-To-Go on Day 2.

National team veteran Jamal Abu Shamala recognised the bitterness of their Day 1 loss to Mono Vampire of Thailand, but he also took it with the proper perspective. He knows that sometimes it takes losing for a team to wake up and get their acts together.

"The loss to Mono was frustrating," Abu Shamala said. "But that first game helped us to improve the chemistry between us."

Against the Filipinos, who were victorious on Day 1, Abu Shamala knew that his team needed to be aggressive. They could not afford to let up, especially with coach Guy Arnaud using a short rotation. The Palestinians did have one ace up their sleeve, though - national team standout Salim Sakakini would finally play.

"The return of Salim Sakakini helped us a lot in this game," Abu Shamala explained. "Chooks-To-Go is a very good team, but we managed to bounce back and emerge victorious."

He was, however, quick to heap praise on their opponents, specifically on Filipino sensation Kiefer Ravena.

"The Philippines #15 - he’s a very good player and has a bright future,” Abu Shamala shared.

The result put the Palestinian club right back in the thick of things in Group A. Now they have momentum heading into their last two games in the group phase and are favorites to make it to the Quarter-Finals.

Abu Shamala's teammate, Ibrahim Habash, the oldest player in the tournament at 41 years old and who grabbed 6 rebounds in their win over Chooks-To-Go, could not hide his joy.

“It is a historic win for us," he said. "It’s like a dream for me.”

If Sareyyet Ramallah continue to play like they did against Chooks-To-Go, there are probably a few more wins in store for them.

FIBA