Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone during the Philippine team’s sendoff game against the Macau Black Bears.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Coach Tim Cone lauded the defensive stand that enabled Gilas Pilipinas to come back in the second half and defeat the Macau Black Bears in Monday’s sendoff match at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Gilas fell behind by 21 as Macau waxed hot from downtown before turning the tide after the break to pull off a 103-98 victory, creating stops that led to baskets, both inside and out, on the other end.

READ: Gilas rallies to victory in sendoff game ahead of Fiba Asia Cup

“It didn’t look like we had a chance at halftime, but the credit to the guys for changing the tempo of the game,” Cone said.

The Black Bears led 56-35 in the second quarter before going into the break up 63-46, which Cone admitted was a “shock” for Gilas.

Macau drained 12 three-pointers on 17 attempts during those opening 20 minutes, but only had one the rest of the way.

READ: Still groping for form, Justin Brownlee leads Gilas’ comeback win

“They did surprise us with their ability to shoot,” Cone said. “We didn’t know of their players, we had never seen them before so it was a shock. But give credit to the guys because they made a decision to defend.

AJ Edu, Scottie Thompson, Dwight Ramos and CJ Perez were among the catalysts during that defensive stand that gave Gilas and its fans something promising going into Jeddah for the Fiba Asia Cup.

“We’re gonna make some nice plays, nice passes and nice things, but what is gonna win for us is our defense,” Cone said. “That’s where we gonna hang our hat on.”