Smart Gilas Pilipinas beat Iraq’s Duhok 74-64 on day-4 of 2011 FIBA ASIA Champions Cup
Marcus Douthit marshalled the hosts Pilipinas Smart Gilas, who stood firm against a strong second half surge from Iraqi Champions Duhok to squeak out a 74-64 win on Tuesday. The Smart Gilas are now just one win away to become the
top team in Group A.
Douthit scored 14 points on the night, along with 15 rebounds and three block shots. Andy Mark Barroca was the second leading scorer from the Smart Gilas. He scored 12 points and clutched eight rebounds too. A relieved Smart Gilas
coach Rajko Toroman said after the game, “Our defense worked alright, but the offense was all over the place.”
Both the maintained parity early in the game as the ball swung widely from one end to the other. Duhok fought well against their much fancied opponents for most parts of the first quarter. However, the host managed to outscore
the Iraqis 11-7 deep into the frame and took a 21-17 advantage into the second quarter.
The Iraqis dropped their guard in the second quarter, allowing the offensive battery of Smart Gilas to gain the momentum. The home team took full advantage stretched their lead into double figures, 30-19, early in the second. The
one way traffic continued as the Smart Gilas further extended the lead to 14-points (41-27) midway into the period. Pilipinas led Duhok by 47-35 at halftime. Donaldo Hontiveros was the major contributor for the Smart Gilas during the period. He tallied eight
points that included two three-pointers.
After a disappointing first half, Duhok gather themselves in the third quarter. Duhok’s fragile defence showed great resilience and restricted the Smart Gilas to just 12 points during the period and their brilliant assault reduced
the deficit down to just 55-53, with less than two minutes to go in the quarter.
However, Marnel Baracael and Christopher Ryan halted Duhok’s comeback and combined to push Gilas’ lead to 59-53 after three.
Duhok’s third quarter surge jolted the hosts. Smart Gilas quickly shed their tranquil mode in the fourth quarter and raced to a 68-55 advantage, courtesy a 9-2 surge within the first three minutes. The Gilas defence, which allowed
Duhok 18 points in the third also stepped it up and limited the Iraqis to just 11 points in the final 10 minutes of the game.
Duhok’s last game hero Chester Giles again made some big plays and scored a game-high 20 points wrapped with 23 rebounds. After the game, he admitted that the Philippines outfit was too fast for them, “They (Smart Gilas) are a
much better team now. A lot more systematic.”
This was Smart Gilas third straight win in the tournament.
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