Nationals sweep Bahrain tune-up

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Gilas Pilipinas repeated over Al Ahli of Bahrain, 92-80, to complete a two-game sweep of its Bahrain exhibition series and build some sort of momentum for the 22nd Dubai International Tournament unfolding today at the Al Ahly Stadium.

Skipper Chris Tiu dished out a 14-point and eight-assist performance, Mark Barroca, JV Casio and Mac Baracael fired 19, 13 and 12 points, respectively, to power the team to victory.

Naturalization candidate Marcus Douthit and Fil-Tongan Asi Taulava combined for 16 points and clogged the lanes with their bulk and power.

The Filipinos won their first match with Bahrain national squad after the latter walked out due to poor officiating.

“My first time to experience the home team walk out of the court because of bad calls. Their import was ex-NBA Lamond Murray,” said Tiu.

Before the second match, Smart Gilas had to cancel practice because of the unusual downpour.

“Practice was cancelled because it rained so hard and there were leaks in the gym and roads were flooded. The locals say it’s very unusual,” Tiu said.

The Nationals are looking to improve on their third place finish in the import-laced Dubai meet ruled by Iran last year.

“It’s going to be tougher, that’s for sure,” said RP coach Rajko Toroman. “But we’re sending a stronger team with Marcus and Asi around that’s why we’re targetting a finals slot this year.”

Smart Gilas is grouped with Wahda of Syria, Annibal of Lebanon, Ittihad Alexandria of Egypt and Sharjah of the UAE while the other bracket is composed of Lebanese club teams Sagesse and Hoop and the UAE national squad.

The other members of the Phl team are Aldrech Ramos, Dylan Ababou and Marcio Lassiter.