GILAS READY, MOTIVATED

NATS OUT TO ZERO IN ON OUTRIGHT ASIA CUP SPOT

- OLMIN LEYBA

Gilas Pilipinas doesn't need much pep talk to get fired up for tonight's FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers duel with New Zealand.

The fact that the Nationals are playing in front of adoring home supporters in an official FIBA game for the first time since February is enough to make them motivated.

Then there's the one-sidedness of their history with the Tall Blacks marred by four lopsided losses since 2016, making payback an additional driving force in the 7:30 p.m. gig at the MOA Arena.

"We want to certainly protect our home court, and we want to show ourselves to the Gilas fans around the country. These are all very, very important to us. So, I really expect us to be ready and motivated to play," Cone said.