For a team that aimed at just getting exposure for its young players, the Smart Gilas Pilipinas sure took down a big fish as it upset Lebanese team Mouttahed, 79-77, at the start of the Dubai International basketball tournament early Saturday morning at the Al Ahli gym.
The odds were stacked against the Gilas with Mouttahed parading a huge frontline led by three American imports and several stalwarts from the Lebanese national squad bannered by Rony Fahed.
Early on, it appeared as if Mouttahed would cruise to the easy win as they led by many as 15 points in the first canto.
But the Chot Reyes-mentored Philippine squad did not back down and came roaring back to take the lead, 41-40, at the turn.
The second half was a tightly-fought game but Gilas came through with the win behind the leadership of naturalized player Marcus Douthit, who had 20 points. Former San Beda gunner Garvo Lanete added 15.
Meralco wingman Ronjay Buenafe fueled the Nationals comeback in the first half with 10 points.
Next up for the Gilas will be Al Ahli today. The Nationals finish their assignments in group B with a match against Sporting Amarex tomorrow.