Calvin Oftana playing is a positive development for Gilas Pilipinas ahead of the FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
It appears Calvin Oftana will recover in time for the FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Oftana, nursing an ankle injury he sustained in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup playoffs, saw action in Gilas Pilipinas' 75-61 win over Jordan Saturday, August 2.
It is the national team’s second and final tuneup game before the continental meet.
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Oftana made crucial three-pointers in the fourth period of the friendly, according to a post by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
This is a positive development for the Nationals, who will play Chinese Taipei first in Group D Thursday, Aug. 6.
Gilas has an axe to grind against the East Asian country after the latter pulled off a stunner in their last encounter during the qualifiers, 91-84.
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Mohammad Al Bachir Gadiaga and Ting-Chien Lin spearheaded Taiwan’s attack with 21 points each and combined for 11 rebounds.
Justin Brownlee fired 39 points, but his efforts proved insufficient as the Filipinos went on to lose the match at the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium.