Philippines wins versus Jordan

Smart-Gilas survived a 15-2 lead to nip the tough Jordan squad 72 to 64.

The squad survived the drama where we thought the FIBA people revoked their statement allowing Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz to play in the game. These names were seriously needed since Mac Baracael was throwing bricks and Mark Barroca fumbling his early possessions.

Honestly the team needs to start strong because while we survived Jordan... it was not the case when we faced China. At least China, Korea, Chinese-Taipei, Lebanon, and Iran will face off in their group. The more wins we acquire in our division, the better our chance to dodge China and Iran.

Anyway, the game was momentarily stopped midway in the first quarter and we see Smart-Gilas coach Rajko Toroman conferring with the referees and table officials. All of a sudden we see Lassiter heading to the scorer’s table and Lutz followed suit after a while. It was later announced that the FIBA people has failed to inform the arena officials that Lutz and Lassiter were cleared by the FIBA President Patrick Baumann. It took time but eventually the insertion of the duo was like Popeye munching on a slow-reacting spinach. Lassiter was fantastic in bringing the Jordan lead to five come halftime, 26 to 31.

The second half showed major developments for our squad. From the way we are playing, we peak at the end. We outscored Jordan in the final two quarters 46 to 33 including in the fourth where we edged them 25 to 17. Lassiter played without rest in the second half and Marcus Douthit would too, had not for the sprain he suffered that sidelined him. Our defense tightened and it exposed Jordan’s inability to commit less turnovers. Most of their TO’s were dribbling infractions and Jordan showed no support to Rashiem Wright and Sam Daghles when they got clamped by our defenders. Daghles finished with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists while Wright came in with 16 points but only with 4 rebounds. Zaid Abbas had a double-double with 10 points and 12 boards but the points were hard to come by apart from these guys. But it is not as if Smart-Gilas did better. Like I said, the biggest problem of the squad was their initial spurt. However at least four players scored nine points or more for Smart-Gilas with Douthit finishing with 19 points, 15 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block, Lassiter had 14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 triples, Jimmy Alapag finished with 11 points and 2 assists, and Chris Tiu scored the team’s first five points to finish with 9, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists.

So after four games, here are the stats:

(Minimum 2 Games)

POINTS:

1 – Marcus Douthit – 16.8ppg 

2 – Chris Tiu – 10.0ppg 

3 – JV Casio – 8.5ppg 

4 – Asi Taulava – 7.5ppg

5 – Mac Baracael – 7.5ppg 

REBOUNDS:

1 – Marcus Douthit – 9.8rpg

2 – Asi Taulava – 6.5rpg

3 – Kelly Williams – 4.8rpg

4 – Japeth Aguilar – 4.0rpg

5 – Mac Baracael – 3.8rpg

ASSISTS:

1 – Jimmy Alapag – 4.0apg

2 – Mark Barroca – 3.3apg

3 – Chris Tiu – 3.0apg

4 – JV Casio – 2.5apg

The Philippines are bound to face off against the Group C leader Japan in their next game. Japan shocked the tourney with an unblemished record leading to our match against them and Smart-Gilas needs to check on their kinks so that smooth sailing might take place.

More wins ahead!

Game over.