Smart Gilas five thwarts Jordan

DUBAI – Smart Gilas Pilipinas used its quickness and near-flawless shooting to stun a tall Zain of Jordan side, 85-82, and advance to the quarterfinal round of the 21st Dubai Invitational at the Al Ahli Sports Club here Sunday.

Skipper Chris Tiu sizzled with 17 points, including five triples, while Jason Ballesteros, Mac Baracael and Mark Barroca tossed in 12 points each as the Nationals sealed their second straight win following an opening day loss to the Syrians of Al Jalaa for a spot in the quarters.

So awesome was Team RP’s outside sniping that it produced a tournament high 11 triples, including three from Baracael and one each from Barroca, JV Casio and JR Cawaling, virtually neutralizing the Jordanians’ size and heft.

It was the first win by Smart Gilas over Jordan since the RP developmental team was formed two years ago.

It also avenged the all-pro RP team’s three defeats to the Jordanians.

Jordan beat the Philippines, 84-76, in elimination round of the 2007 FIBA-Asia Championships in Tokushima, Japan, fashioned out a 90-59 rout in the 2009 Jones Cup in Chinese Taipei and scored another 81-70 win in the quarterfinals of the 2009 FIBA-Asia Championship in Tianjin, China.

American Jamal Sampson, being eyed by Team RP for naturalization, played minimal minutes but delivered the shots that mattered most, including seven of his nine points in the final four and a half minutes to help thwart the Jordanians’ rally.

“We played a great game. You must understand that we played one of the best teams in Asia with almost all national players plus three Americans playing,” said Smart Gilas’ Serbian coach Rajko Toroman.

“We have a problem with our American player who played maybe 15 minutes and to win this game is really something,” said Toroman. “They showed their big fighting heart and they played very tough and very aggressive.”

Smart Gilas, meanwhile, takes on Al Nasr of United Arab Emirates Monday, hoping to finish with a 3-1 (win-loss) record.

“I’m very proud of the team. Everybody played their hearts out despite being the underdogs and playing a veteran national team. It’s a big confidence booster,” said Tiu.

“I just hope we can sustain this level of playing and keep improving so when we see them (Jordanians) again in the Asian Games, we know what we’re capable of doing,” he said.

The Nationals actually played hurt with Tiu bucking a left leg injury, Sampson (left knee) Ababou (swollen nose), Barroca (back spasm) and Casio (contusion). Smart Gilas also missed the services of Rabeh Al-Husseini and Aldrech Ramos.

“It was tough game because we all know how strong Jordan is. As a matter of fact, this is a stronger team than the national team that played in Tianjin because they’re the national team with three Americans,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Noli Eala.