Philippines upbeat about chances against visiting Chinese Taipei

MANILA (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) - Fresh from a Day 2 win over Japan, the Philippines are entering their Asian Qualifiers match against Chinese Taipei full of confidence.

The Philippines went to Tokyo and came out victorious against a game Japanese squad, and the Filipinos return home upbeat about their chances at stringing together two wins after the first window of the Asian Qualifiers.

"We're upbeat," Philippines team manager Antonio said. "Though players and coaches know that we still have things to work on."

Even Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes knows his team are the favored ones against Chinese Taipei, which got blown out at home by Australia a few days ago, but he won't be quick to pronounce an easy road ahead for his guys.

"We know them pretty well," Reyes told local media. "A lot of their players are the players that we’ve played with against before. We just have to be prepared, but there’s a chance that they can always spring some surprises against us."

Key Matchups: Andray Blatche was effective but not dominant in the Philippines' win over Japan, but he may have his work cut out for him here against Taipei's Andray Blatche. These two have never faced each other at this level before, so it will be interesting to see if Davis can hold his own against the former NBA player and CBA champion. Blatche, of course, has the edge in size and versatility, having the ability to stretch the defense with his perimeter game. Davis, however, looks more fit and mobile, and if he can get the step on his bigger foe, then the naturalized Taipei center may just put up another big performance.

Key Stats: Aside from getting annihilated in the paint, Chinese Taipei were also outplayed at the perimeter by the Boomers. That's unacceptable for a team that prides themselves on outside shooting and playmaking. For sure, star wingmen Liu Cheng and Chou Yi-Hsiang are raring to be extra productive against the Philippines, who can surely counter with their own wing players like Gabe Norwood, Calvin Abueva and Matthew Wright. Chinese Taipei shot just 26.3% (5-of-19) from beyond the arc against Australia, but if they are harboring any hopes of bringing home a win in the first window, then they know they have to shoot much better against a Gilas Pilipinas team that will feed off the energy of their trademark raucous hometown crowd.

FIBA