Angola is hoping to head into battle with Gilas Pilipinas today with the perfect mindset.

If not, head coach Pep Claros feels the African team will have to get ready for a stint in the classification round of the FIBA World Cup.

After starting strong against Italy on opening day, the Angolans melted away in the endgame, allowing the European powerhouse to carve out an 81-67 win.

"We were mentally prepared to compete and (we) did well. But once problems appeared, we became weaker. I hope this is a lesson we learn because this is a World Cup and you always have to finish strong — no matter what the score is," he said.

"That is something we have to improve on."

Claros will count on Bruno Fernando of the Atlanta Hawks and Childe Dundao to anchor Angola's bid to ruin Gilas' party plans in the 8 p.m. showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The much-anticipated match will serve as a rematch of their 2019 edition encounter in China won by Angola in overtime, 84-81.