MANILA – After a much-needed two-day rest, Mighty Sports-Go For Gold Philippines resumes its impressive winning run on Friday (July 19) when it battles Indonesia in the Jones Cup in Changhua, Taiwan.
With a league-leading 5-0 record, the country’s representative to the annual tournament needs only to win two of three remaining matches to regain the title it won in its initial foray three years ago via eight-game sweep.
Through the able leadership of the once volatile Renaldo Balkman and the brute strength of Eugene Phelps down low, Mighty-GFG has posted a whopping winning margin of 22.6 points -- its 89-82 decision over World Cup-bound South Korea was the closest one so far.
The team’s 3 p.m. showdown with the Indonesians is another opportunity for coach Charles Tiu to give McKenzie Moore and Zach Graham more time to fully recover from mild injuries they suffered against the Japanese whom they bamboozled, 94-59.
The team, backed by HealthCube, will also give the coaching of the PH team to the SEA Games a great service as it tries to expose the strengths and weaknesses of the Indonesians who are preparing for the biennial meet.
Given Indonesia’s small lineup, Tiu is likely to use Balkman, Phelps, Moore and Graham sparingly with Fil-American players like Jason Brickman, Mikey Williams, and Jeremiah Gray likely to be given the chance to shine along with Gab Banal, Angelo Wongchuking and former pro Joseph Yeo.
After Indonesia, Mighty-GFG will be going for the clincher on Saturday (July 20) when it battles Taiwan-A before capping its campaign with a showdown with Taiwan B on Sunday (July 21).
“It would be nice if we reclaim the title via a sweep,” said team owner Alexander Wongchuking. “It’s sweeter the second time around.” (PR)
