Gilas suffers shock loss to Qatar at Asian Games

Gilas Pilipinas suffered a shock defeat to Qatar, 77-68, in the first game of the Asian Games men’s basketball quarterfinals on Friday, September 26 in Incheon, South Korea. Gilas will now have to defeat South Korea and Kazakhstan on Saturday and Sunday to have a shot at advancing to the semifinals from Group H.

Jimmy Alapag, who came alive in the second half with four three pointers, topscored for Gilas with 15 points while Marcus Douthit was the only other Gilas player in double figures with 10 to go with 5 rebounds. Marc Pingris had 9 points and 8 rebounds but turned the ball over 5 times.

Mohd Mohamed led Qatar with 19 points – including 3-3 from three point range – to go with 8 rebounds while Boney Watson scored 15.

Gilas led 39-36 at the half before Qatar exploded for a 15-0 run to begin the third. 

Qatar, which is so far unbeaten at 3-0 in the Asian Games, shot 56% from the field and 10-23 from three point range for 43%. Gilas, which was coming off a disappointing loss to Iran the day before, shot just 39% from the field and 39% from three point range. Gilas turned the ball over 2 times more, 18-16, but won the rebound battle 32-27.

In other Asian Games basketball action, South Korea defeated Kazakhstan 77-60 in Group H while China blew out Mongolia 108-67 in Group G. – Rappler.com

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