Guiao changes Team Pilipinas lineup vs Qatar

HEADING into a must-win game against Qatar tonight in the fourth window of the International Basketball Coliseum, coach Yeng Guiao reorganized Team Pilipinas’ 12-man lineup in the hope of pulling off an upset.

Guiao replaced Christian Standhardinger with another naturalized player Stanley Pringle. The playmaker Pringle, Guiao believes, will add quickness and scoring capability to the Pinoy team against the backcourt of the Qataris.

“The inclusion of Stanley Pringle will add stability to our guard rotation as we want to take advantage of our quickness against the guards of Qatar,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Al Panlilio in a media statement.

The other fresh legs, Japeth Aguilar and Matthew Wright, who were still serving a one-game -

The two were suspended for their involvement in the brawl between Gilas Pilipinas and Australia's Boomers in the third window of the Asian qualifiers at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. The incident was the reason why tonight’s game will be held in closed doors, with only members of the media and sports officials as audience.

“Japeth’s quickness, perimeter scoring as well as his above rim athleticism combined with his vast experience in the international brand of play will surely be an added boost in our battle against Qatar.”

“Matthew Wright is a knock-down shooter from the three-point area. We struggled against with him on-board, hopefully, that problem will be addressed,” the statement reads.

Guiao dropped shooter Allein Maliksi and Raymond Almazan to make a room for both players.

The other members of the Philippine team facing Qatar tonight are Beau Belga, Alex Cabagnot, Paul Lee, JP Erram, Marcio Las Taulava and Scottie Thompson.

Norwood is not bothered by the limited practice time they’ve had because of Typhoon Ompong.

for all teams in this situation,” he said.

games is expected to lead Qatar.