Smart Gilas edges Saudis, finishes 7th

DOHA, Qatar – Smart Gilas Pilipinas turned back Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia, 100-95, in overtime to salvage seventh place in the 21st FIBA-Asia Champions Cup at the Al Gharafa Sports Club Hall here Sunday.

Chris Tiu took charge in the extra period, firing eight of his 14 points to power the Nationals to victory. He also had six assists and three steals and went 10-of-10 at the foul line.

Mark Barroca topscored with 24 points and made five assists, four steals and four rebounds for Smart Gilas, foiled in its bid for a shot at fifth place by the Syrians on a last-minute basket, 81-83.

“We did not play on the same level in Dubai where we finished third place because of injuries,” said Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman. “This means that we need to be patient and refresh our players so that we’ll be different in playing in our next competition.”

The Nationals finished the tournament with Tiu, Barroca and Mac Baracael all nursing injuries. The tournament also gave Smart Gilas a glimpse of what to expect in this year’s Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

“This tournament showed that everybody is preparing well for the Asian Games,” said Toroman. “And I think that should be a warning for us – that we need to work harder, play harder.”

Chot Reyes, Talk n Text and former RP team coach, lauded the Filipinos for their effort despite finishing way below expectations.

“I am not alarmed because one, the tournament doesn’t mean anything, two, it’s a club competition where teams are allowed two imports each,” said Reyes.

“While, of course, we want to win, our participation there is for training purposes first and foremost.

“It gives our players extra international exposure and allows the coaching staff to assess where we’re at towards our goal, which is the 2011 FIBA-Asia Championship,” he added.

The next thing to do, Reyes suggested, is for the team to sit down and find what needs to be done to improve the team more.

“It’s the reason we join tournaments like this and I am confident the Smart Gilas leadership and coach are on the right track,” said Reyes.

Al Hilal drew strength from former PBA import Dermar Johnson and Brandon Crump, who sizzled with 37 and 25 points, respectively.

It was Johnson’s late surge that kept Al Hilal in the game as he slammed in a dunk late in regulation that forced the overtime at 86.

Meanwhile, Mahram of Iran blasted host Al Rayyan of Qatar, 93-73, to capture the crown.

Al Riyadi of Lebanon edged ASU of Jordan, 82-78, also in OT to clinch third place while Astana Tigers of Kazakhstan trounced Al Jala’a of Syria, 75-68, for fifth place.

Doha notes: Discovery Pilipinas, Smart Gilas’ women’s counterpart, walloped the Qatar national team, 55-28, in the first of a three-game exhibition series here. The RP-Qatar duel marks the first time that the women’s team from this Arab nation played a team outside its region...Serbian reinforcement Milan Vucicevic played his final game for the Nationals after averaging in double-double. Vucicevic, who is well-liked by the team with his positive locker room presence, will play in a league in Turkey next...Filipino referees Arnolfo Bermejo and Jessie Arabejo made good impression on the host for their unbiased officiating here.