For Latvia coach, Gilas Pilipinas’ size, defense set upset tone

MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas’ triangle offense got its flowers after an 89-80 stunner over Latvia, but beyond the scoring, defense proved to be the difference maker against one of the top teams in Europe. 

Latvia head coach Luca Banchi pointed to the Filipinos’ size, which shut down driving lanes and forced the world No. 6 Latvians to take tougher shots than usual during their FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament match in Riga on Wednesday, July 3 (Thursday, July 4, Manila time).