Gilas survives USA-Select, nears Jones Cup silver

MANILA, Philippines – Gilas Pilipinas almost squandered an 18-point lead before fending off a late charge by USA-Select Overtake to take a 78-74 victory Saturday in the 37th William Jones Cup at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City, Taiwan.

Gabe Norwood and Matt Ganuelas-Rosser alternately quarterbacked the national team, which played without a natural point guard as Terrence Romeo is still nursing a left ankle sprain while Jayson Castro got hurt in their win against New Zealand's Wellington Saints yesterday. Jimmy Alapag, who re-aggravated his quads injury against South Korea, flew home for his adopted son's third birthday, and first with the family. 

The ploy though worked wonders early on as Gilas slowly built an 18-point buffer, 55-37, highlighted by a big slam of Fil-Tongan Moala Tautuaa over ex-NBA player Keith Closs. But Gilas went through some anxious moments in the fourth quarter when the American selection made up of former PBA imports and NBA players came within three, 74-71.

Dondon Hontiveros, the hero in Friday’s win against New Zealand, sealed the win at the free throw line.

Calvin Abueva led Gilas with 20 points and eight boards while his Alaska teammate Sonny Thoss and gunner Gary David added 13 apiece.

All they need to do now is to hurdle Chinese Taipei-B on its last game this Sunday to bring home the country's first silver medal in this annual tournament.

Ex-Purefoods import Marquin Chandler paced the Americans with 20 points.