PBA’s lethal scoring machine tows Nationals to close victory over South Korea

Gary David showcased explosive scoring talents on the international stage as he hit two crucial jumpers including the game-winning shot with 45 seconds left that lifted the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas to an 82-79 win over South Korea’s Anyang KGC in the 34th William Jones Cup yesterday at the TPEC Gym in Taipei.

David, arguably the PBA’s most lethal scoring weapon, came off the bench to score 13 points but his most important basket was a stop-and-pop jumper that shattered a 79-all deadlock with 45.3 seconds remaining. He also made a tough basket that tied the score at 79-all earlier.

David’s heroics enabled the Gilas to stay unbeaten in the tournament with their third win in as many games.

It also was a great start to a killer stretch as the Gilas play five more games in five days. They face off against Japan today at 5 p.m.

Gabe Norwood was also a key factor as he scored a freethrow that gave them a 82-79 lead with just 23 seconds left. He also hounded Korean import Juan Pattillo to a tough afternoon.

The Gilas is trying to become the first team from the country to win the Jones Cup since the Centennial Team won it in 1998.

The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for South Korea, which led by 12, 61-49, in the third canto after they made three straight three pointers.