Smart Gilas fights back, routs UAE five

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Gilas Pilipinas vented its ire on Sharjah of United Arab of Emirates as it scored a lopsided 92-67 victory to bounce back in the Dubai Invitational basketball tournament at the Al Ahli Club Gym yesterday.

Marcus Douthit powered his way to team-highs 17 points and 17 rebounds that more than made up for his so-so effort in the team’s 72-85 loss to Al Etihad of Egypt the other day.

Fil-Am Marcio Lassiter also came through with his best offensive game thus far as he fired 17 points against a team backstopped by a pair of tall American imports and Slimane Radhouane, who skippered Tunisia’s stints in the World Championship and Olympics.

Phl team captain Chris Tiu made 10 points and seven rebounds, Dylan Ababou shot 13 points while JV Casio contributed nine points and eight rebounds as Smart Gilas picked up its second win in three outings.

“The guys are eager to bounce back from our loss to Egypt and we’re glad to be back,” said Smart Gilas manager Frankie Lim.

The 6-10 Douthit, who groped for form with an eight-point, nine-rebound production against Egypt, struck back and posted his second double-double effort in the 10-day event which allows each team to field a maximum of three imports.

Douthit had 16 points, 18 rebounds and four blocks in Smart Gilas’ 70-57 rout of Anibal Zahle of Lebanon in the opener last week.

Smart Gilas will take a rest day today before closing out its elimination round campaign against Al Wahda of Syria side on Tuesday.