UH-OH…GILAS ON BRINK OF MISSING ASIAD MEDAL PLAY
Gilas Pilipinas is now in danger of missing the medal round after being torched by Qatar with its torrid three-point shooting at the start of the quarterfinals of the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, Korea.
The Qataris fired 21 unanswered points in the middle quarters and blew past the Filipinos, 77-68, to the disappointment of the cheering Filipino crowd at the Hwaseong Sports Complex Friday night.
Gilas Pilipinas needs to win its next two games against Korea and Kazakhstan to get a shot at the semis.
Gaining the crucial head start in Group H were Qatar and South Korea with decisive victories over Gilas Pilipinas and Kazakhstan, respectively.
In Group G, Iran clobbered Japan, 82-59, while China whipped Mongolia, 108-67, to close in on the semifinals.
Qatar scored the last five points in the second quarter to close in at 36-39 and sustained the momentum in the third period to seize control at 51-39.
The Qataris hit five three-pointers to start the final half and played tough to the finish in handing the Filipinos a second straight loss in the tourney.
Sweet-shooting Qatari center Mohammad Mohammad accounted for three of those five treys and the Qatar team dealt Gilas a severe punishment, in tearing apart Marcus Douthit’s shaky defense practically all game long.
Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot didn’t hide his disappointment on Douthit’s performance.
“I’m gonna ask Marcus if he doesn’t wanna play we’ll go all Filipino. If he wants to go home he can go home,” said Reyes.
“I don’t think it was an issue of fatigue. I think it was more of an issue of desire,” added Reyes.
The Gilas bench chieftain didn’t single out Douthit, though.
“It wasn’t just Marcus. I had a bunch of players who weren’t ready,” Reyes said.
Jimmy Alapag was one of few Gilas players who came out in his usual self, going 5-of-6 from beyond the arc to pace the team with 15 points that went with four rebounds and three assists.
Alapag rattled in three consecutive triples as Gilas charged to within five, 51-56, at the end of the third period.
The Filipinos stayed in the battle until the Qataris made another key assault, posting another commanding spread at 68-59 entering the last two minutes of play.
Douthit struggled for only 10 points and five rebounds. (SB)
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
