SMC-RP bows to Qatar anew, settles for 4th

The SMC-Pilipinas squad arrives today from Doha, Qatar with no title to speak of, but definitely richer in experience and knowledge of international basketball.

The Filipinos, playing their fifth game in as many nights, raced to a big start but sputtered in the end, enabling Qatar to escape with a 79-68 win Sunday in their battle for third place in the Al-Emadi International Basketball Championship at the Al-Gharafa Sports Club Hall.

Later in the evening, African champion Angola defeated Latvia to claim the champion’s trophy.

From a 20-20 standoff at the end of the first period, former Ateneo teammates Larry Fonacier and LA Tenorio sparked a big run highlighted by a Mick Pennisi four-point play to give SMC-Pilipinas a 38-26 bubble before going into the halftime break up 45-35.

Fatigue, however, began to take its toll in the second half on the Nationals. Ali Saeed found his range, hitting three-pointers in succession to lead a comeback that had the hosts wresting the lead. Qatar took the lead going into the final quarter, 58-55.

Another run at the start of the fourth canto gave Qatar a 68-59 advantage and the Filipinos, playing without the hurting Kerby Raymundo, never recovered from that spurt.

"Again, the fatigue factor set in," said national mentor Chot Reyes. "But remember, we played a team that has been together for years. All of us know that had we been able to practice more and send the best team here, we would’ve beaten Qatar handily."

Despite the setback, the Accel-outfitted SMC-Pilipinas five is heading home with heads held high.

"I hate the losing, but I love the learning," Reyes said. "The things we learned playing the African champions and a strong team like Latvia and even Qatar are unquantifiable. Two of these three are bound for the world championships. This team has learned so much about how basketball is played in different parts of the world.

"I’m sure the experience has made everyone on this team better individuals. Experience such as this will only make us stronger," said Reyes.

Saeed led Qatar with 22 points while Willie Miller and Pennisi shared top scoring honors for the Filipinos with 11 points apiece.

"I take my hat off to Willie," said Reyes of his prized backcourtman, who also led the team in rebounds (4) and assists (5). "I appreciate his taking on a leadership role on this team."

Next on tap for the Nationals are a two-game goodwill series against Asian powerhouse Lebanon in Manila on Aug. 13 and 16 and the title defense of the Sultan’s Cup in Brunei from Aug. 19 to 27.