Gilas yields to Qataris

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Gilas Pilipinas failed to stop Targuy Ngombo’s torrid shooting and absorbed a 61-66 setback to Qatar at the close of its elimination round campaign in the 2010 FIBA-Asia Stankovic Cup in Beirut, Lebanon yesterday.

Ngombo, one of many naturalized Africans for the Qataris, eluded his Filipino defenders and came away with 29 points on an impressive 12-of-20 shooting clip. He also pulled down nine rebounds as Qatar picked up its third straight victory.

Despite the loss, the Nationals still made it to the quarterfinals after ending up with an even 2-2 slate for the No. 3 seed in Group B.

RP will play the No. 2 seed in Group A, to be disputed by Chinese Taipei or Iran. Chris Tiu and Fil-Am Marcio Lassiter each fired 11 points while Mac Baracael added 10 but the Nationals just had no answer to the high-leaping, streak-shooting 6-7 Ngombo.

It was the Qataris’ second win in a row over the Filipinos after the former beat the latter in the FIBA-Asia Champions Cup in Doha last May.

After submitting double-double numbers in the last two games, Asi Taulava slowed down with just five points and nine rebounds.

“We’re now third place in our bracket and will play probably Chinese Taipei or Iran in the quarterfinals,” said Tiu.

“Asi has been fitting in perfectly. Banger, fighter and experienced, he’s just what we needed. He dunked twice against Jordan, haven’t seen that in years,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Nationals take a much-needed two-day rest and will resume their campaign on Saturday.