FIBA Asia: Gilas rips Qatar

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) — A big win that could come with a big price.

Gilas Pilipinas unleashed a torrid second-quarter assault, but had to weather a near-meltdown to fend off Qatar, 80-70, in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship second round on Tuesday, August 6 at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

But the impressive win could come at a big cost, with big man Marcus Douthit sustaining a knee injury that he played through in the 4th period with the home team seemingly in trouble.

Douthit’s return to action proved to be crucial for Gilas, who survived the Qataris’ comeback to chalk up its second straight win and 4th in 5 outings. 

With the victory, the Philippines tied their victims at second place in Group E with a 3-1 record and could actually snatch the top spot if Qatar beats Chinese Taipei by no more than 15 points tomorrow.

But if it doesn’t happen, Gilas coach Chot Reyes said they’re ready to face powerhouse China.

“Pending a miracle, I think we just arranged a quarterfinals date with China,” he shared. “If it happens, so be it.”

“We got to prepare, and prepare hard for what would be the biggest game for us in the quarterfinals.”

Second-quarter showcase

If the Philippines takes on the defending champions in the last 8, then Gilas would have to replicate its flawless second quarter showing, when the Nationals uncorked a 21-2 run and outscored the Qataris, 29-9. 

Two free-throws by Khalid Suliman Abdi drew Qatar within 3 at 28-25 with 6:51 left in the second period as both squads battled neck-and-neck in the first minutes of the game.

But the Philippines had other plans and with Japeth Aguilar, Jimmy Alapag and Gary David heating up, the home team zoomed to a 47-27 advantage just before the halftime break. 

Gilas made all 7 of its 3-pointers in the first 20 minutes, with Chan rifling in 3 triples to spark the Filipinos’ attack. 

Scary fall

Sensing blood, Gilas stepped on the gas pedal further in the 3rd quarter, trying to go for the kill and proving to be successful.

A basket by Jayson Castro punctuated a 10-5 mini-run to open the 3rd for the Philippines, who then posted a 57-34 lead and looked well on their way to an easy victory. 

Disaster struck, though, as Douthit apparently banged his shin onto Abdi and laid on the ground before limping back to the bench.

Qatar quickly took advantage and went on a 21-7 run stamped by a controversial basket by Monsour El Hadary to come to within 7 at 74-67 with 53 seconds remaining on the clock. 

But the Philippines would not be denied as Castro and Chan made their free-throws and Aguilar capped off a splendid night with an alley-oop off the inbounds that put them up, 80-67, with just two seconds left.

Hayes made a Hail Mary heave from beyond the arc to peg the final score.

Playing with heart

Douthit played a big part in holding off Qatar’s fightback and posted 3 points, 4 rebounds and an assist while playing almost the last 8 minutes.

“He will have a checkup tomorrow,” Reyes said of his prized naturalized center. “Let’s just pray that it’s nothing serious.”

The Providence alum gallantly battled through the injury to finish with 19 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists even as Aguilar (14 points, 7 rebounds) and Chan (12 points, 6 rebounds) also came with guns blazing for Gilas.

Meanwhile, Jarvis Hayes withered from the stout defense delivered by Gabe Norwood and wounded up with 17 points on 7 of 17 shooting and 11 boards as Qatar suffered its first defeat in the tourney.

The Philippines takes on minnows Hong Kong in their last assignment on Wednesday while Qatar locks horns with group leader Chinese Taipei. – Rappler.com