Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Even before the opening tip of the matchup between Canada and Turkey, the Mall of Asia Arena already had a sizable crowd in attendance.
The fans present added to the spectacle of the first game, as they reacted to every crossover, dunk, and block from both sides.
The Canadians came away with the opening day 77-69 victory, and according to their General Manager Steve Nash, his team definitely felt the fans’ presence.
“It was incredible, it was a boost for the guys to feel that energy and to feel the fans show so much interest in the game, in our team,” said Nash.
If the Philippines does enough to get the better of New Zealand in their final game of the group phase and makes it to the next round, then Canada will most likely be their opposition in the semifinals.
The Canada post-game press conference was cut short due to the sheer volume of the noise coming from the Gilas faithful as the Philippines warmed up.
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If Canada faces the Philippines, Nash knows that the noise will become hostile but hopes that his young team uses the opportunity to develop into better players.
“To play in a hostile environment like that will be great for our young players,” said Nash. “An opportunity to play in a packed house, with a lot of noise, against the home team is something that does not happen very often in international basketball.”
“It will give us a chance to really grow and to learn and to face some pressure in some new circumstances that can make us better,” added Nash.
Canada will play their final game of the group phase against Senegal on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena, while the Philippines faces New Zealand at 9:00 p.m. at the same venue.
