Binay Congratulates Gilas Pilipinas for Strong Finish in 2015 Jones Cup

(PNA) -– Vice President Jejomar Binay congratulated Gilas Pilipinas for “its outstanding performance” after completing a strong second place finish in the 2015 Jones in Taipei.

”Their victory reminds us that we can overcome challenges with talent, heart, and determination,” Binay said.

”I am sure that this silver place finish has primed our team for glory in the upcoming FIBA Championship,” he added.

The Philippines wrapped up its impressive campaign with a 96-67 demolition of host Chinese Teipei-B on Sunday.

Actually, the Filipinos won their last two games, including a 78-74 victory against US selection, the only team that defeated Iran which emerged champion of the tournament.

The Philippines defeated the US without its top playmakers Jason Castro, Terrence Romeo and Jimmy Alapag.

Iran went home with its four Jones Cup titles in the last seven years after beating Russia’s Spartak-Primorye, 78-54, its 7th win in eight games.

Gilas Pilipinas finished the tournament with 6-2 win-loss card.

The tournament is a tune-up assignment for the Gilas Pilipinas in preparation for the forthcoming FIBA Asia Championship.

“It’s an up-and-down game and we had some objectives we tried to do well. I think we’re okay. We had pretty much success,” Gilas coach Tab Baldwin said as quoted by www.pba.ph report.

“I’m happy to get that result. I’m happy for the players because they’re tired. But everybody here is tired,” he added. (PNA) FFC/JFM