Gilas mows down Japan on Big Mo's heroics

MANILA, Philippines -- PBA top overall pick Moala Tautuaa sparked a big breakaway run in the fourth quarter as Gilas Pilipinas nailed its second straight win with a 75-60 romp over Japan on Wednesday in the 37th William Jones Cup. 

After a see-saw battle in the first three quarters, Gilas finally broke away for good with a back-breaking 10-2 run punctuated by a big Tautuaa slam for the game's first double-digit lead, 56-46. 

Three straight triples by Jayson Castro, Gary David and Ranidel de Ocampo sealed the deal for Gilas as they took a 14-point lead, 64-50, with 1:43 left.  The win was a fitting follow-up to Gilas' 85-71 win over erstwhile unbeaten Spartak Primorye of Russia. 

Gilas coach Tab Baldwin opted to rest big men Sonny Thoss and Asi Taulava in this game in preparation for the rematch of the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship against Iran on Thursday at 1 p.m.

Gilas played sloppy basketball in the first three quarters with only Terrence Romeo's scoring exploits keeping the team in step with a hungry Japan side. But sensing trouble, Tautuaa had seen enough as he took matters into his own hands. 

His full arsenal was in full display putting a body on defense then showed remarkable passing skills as a big man before waking up Gilas with two slam dunks off the dribble -- first on a side step beauty and the second one via behind-the-back dribble to shake off his defender.

Romeo finished with 16 points to pace Gilas anew while Tautuaa, Castro and De Ocampo added 10 apiece. Gabe Norwood and Gary David also contributed with nine and eight points, respectively for Gilas, who improve to 3-1.  

Japan, meanwhile, remained winless in four games.