Games today:
11 a.m. – Korea vs. Malaysia
1:15 p.m. – Kazakhstan vs. India
3:30 p.m. – Qatar vs. Hong Kong
5:45 p.m. – China vs. Iran
8:30 p.m. – Philippines vs. Chinese Taipei
10:30 p.m. – Jordan vs. Saudi Arabia
Jayson “The Blur” Castro sparked a crucial third-quarter run that helped the Gilas Pilipinas score a, 77-71 win over arch nemesis Jordan in Group A action of the 27th Fiba Asia Men’s Championship last night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Gilas, who are now 2-0 (win-loss) in group A, faced deficits as high as 11 but completely changed the game’s complexion with a searing run in the third made possible by the scoring of Castro and the energetic hustle of Gabe Norwood.
The Nationals were down by seven, 33-40, early in the third canto when they suddenly found a much-needed groove and turned the tide with an incredible 23-4 run.
Castro ignited that run as he made a three-pointer then swiped the ball and went all the way for a layup that was followed by back-to-back midrange jumpers by Japeth Aguilar for a, 53-40 lead.
Castro finished with eight points in the third that pushed the Gilas in front, 57-47, heading to the fourth stanza.
But Jordan was not yet done as they pulled within six, 59-65, after a putback by naturalized player Jimmy Baxter.
The Gilas retaliated with a trey by Jeff Chan and a blow-by layup by Castro that allowed them to regain control of the match.
Still, there were some tense moments in the endgame as the Gilas committed several errors that opened the door for Jordan. A layup and two freethrows by Wesam Al-Sous sliced the deficit to five, 68-73, with 35.1 seconds left.
On the ensuing possession, Gary David threw the ball away to Al Sous but fortunately, the Gilas’ own naturalized player Marcus Douthit, tapped the ball from behind to regain possession. The Nationals sealed the win with freethrows by Gary David and Castro.
Chan led the way for the Gilas with 17 points off five three-pointers while Castro had 16 points, four rebounds and three assists.