Mandaue-Cebu recovers from 16-point deficit but falls short against Smart-Gilas Pilipinas

The Smart-Gilas Pilipinas showed its readiness for tough competition as it completed a sweep of its games in Cebu after surviving the Mandaue-Cebu Landmasters/RDAK, 77-72, in an  exhibition game Thursday night at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.

Unlike their easy rout of the M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños last Wednesday, the Nationals actually had to sweat it out as they lost a 16-point advantage and had to scramble from a three-point deficit with under five minutes left to emerge victorious.

For a while, it seemed as if the Gilas were headed towards another breakaway victory as they showcased their precise offense and pesky defense en route to establishing their biggest lead of the game at 37-21.

The Landmasters never backed down against their well-known adversaries and came roaring back in the third period. A 12-0 blast highlighted by two three-point shots by Jan Villaver brought the hosts to within two, 43-45, and eventually were within striking distance at 48-52, heading to the final frame.

The Landmasters, who played without two-time leg MVP winner Mark Magsumbol, grabbed the lead at 64-61 off a hookshot by Marlon Basco and daring layups by  Vic Manuel and Axel Doruelo.

But the Gilas were unfazed and reliated with a 7-0 run of their own, courtesy of a floater by JV Casio, a fastbreak layup by Dylan Ababou and a booming three-pointer by Mac Baracael that put them in the driver’s seat for good, 68-64.

Casio led the Nationals with 13 points while naturalized American Marcus Douthit added 12. Baracael and Japeth Aguilar chipped in 11 and 10 points, respectively. Mandaue was paced by Manuel’s  13 points. Leo Losentes and Villaver each had 11.