Lebanon hands PH 5 first loss in Jones Cup

THE Smart-Gilas Pilipinas suffered its first loss in the 34th William Jones Cup after it got beaten by Lebanon, 91-72, yesterday at the TPEC gym in Taipei.

Unlike in their game against Japan, wherein they came all the way back from a 13-point deficit in the fourth period, there would be no incredible comebacks yesterday for the Nationals, which got behind by 28 heading to the fourth canto after getting outscored 14-31 in the third period.

The loss was the Philippines’ first, putting its record at 4-1 (win-loss) while Lebanon improved to 2-4.

Lebanon took a 22-15 lead after the first period and did not look back, bringing an 11-point lead to halftime, 32-43.

The Gilas now stand at second place behind Iran, which was playing Taipei-B as of press time. They face off against the league-leader today at 3 p.m. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio