MANILA, Philippines – Smart Gilas Pilipinas buried Hoops of Lebanon with a rain of triples as it rolled to an 86-69 victory for a return trip to the semifinals in the 22nd Dubai Invitational basketball tournament at the Al Ahli Club gym yesterday.
Cheered on by a boisterous 3,000-strong Filipino crowd, the Nationals exploded from behind the arc as they hit 11 of the 19 triples that carried them past the Lebanese and into a rematch with their elimination round conqueror Al Wahda of Syria.
Mac Baracael paced the team with 16 points, Chris Tiu had 12 points, eight assists and three steals and JV Casio made 12 points and three steals to power Smart Gilas to its second straight semis appearance in the annual meet.
“Before the game, we knew the team is starting to shoot very well and it showed in this win,” said Smart Gilas manager Frankie Lim.
The Nationals’ hustle defense also proved crucial as they made a tournament high 12 steals, including three each by Tiu, Casio and Aldrech Ramos, who also finished with nine points and three shot blocks.
Al Whada also advanced by beating the United Arab Emirates national team, 100-81.
“We have a chance to avenge our loss to Al Wahda of Syria,” said Lim.
Smart Gilas took an 89-91 loss to the Syrian club team in the elims where the latter’s three imports combined for 60 points, including three triples in the closing minute.
Naturalization candidate Marcus Douthit and Asi Taulava contributed 11 and nine points, respectively, while providing the inside muscle. Marcio Lassiter and Mark Barroca also combined for 13 points.