THE SMART Gilas Pilipinas barged into the semifinals of the 11th FIBA Asia Champions Cup for the very first time as they escaped Al Jalaa of Syria, 85-80, in the quarterfinals yesterday at the packed Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Nationals were down by as many as 15 after failing to score for six minutes in the second period. They picked themselves up and won the game, thanks to the herculean efforts of JV Casio and naturalized American Marcus Douthit.
Douthit had 24 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks while Casio tallied 22 points and nine assists.
After a long pursuit, the Nationals took the lead, 56-55, after a three-point play by Japeth Aguilar. A three-pointer by Casio and a thunderous two-handed slam by Douthit at the end of the third period put them ahead, 61-57.
The two teams went back and forth in the final frame but two mid-range jumpshots by Mac Baracael gave the Gilas some separation, 78-69, with two minutes left in the game.
Al Jalaa last threatened at 80-83 after two free-throws by Michael Madanly with 22 ticks remaining in the game.
But after a timeout, the Gilas showed great ball movement, which chewed up precious time on the clock and eventually ended with a Douthit dunk from the baseline.
Former NBA player, Samaki Walker led Al Jalaa with 25 points.
Next up for the Gilas is the defending champions Mahram of Iran today at 6 p.m. Correspondent Jonas Panerio