Gilas eyes No. 2 spot vs Syrians

MANILA, Philippines - Smart Gilas Pilipinas guns for a higher seeding in the quarterfinals as it squares off with dangerous Al Wahda of Syria early today (1 a.m. RP time) in the final group stage matches of the 22nd Dubai Invitational basketball tournament at the Al Ahli Club Gym.

The Nationals blasted a listless Sharjah of United Arab Emirates, 92-67, Sunday to improve to a 2-1 (win-loss) slate while assuring themselves of a slot in the quarters of this 10-day event serving as one of the Filipinos’ tune-up event for this August’s FIBA-Asia Championship.

“It’s a nice one-day rest of the boys because they really need it,” said Smart Gilas team manager Frankie Lim. “With the team refreshed and rejuvinated, we’re now going all out for a win.”

A win by the Rajko Toroman-mentored Smart Gilas side would clinch it at least the No. 2 spot in Group B in the quarters wherein it would face the No. 3 team in the other bracket composed of Lebanese club teams Sagesse and Hoop, Al Ittihad of Syria and the UAE national squad. – Joey Villar

Smart is currently in a four-way tie with Al Wahda of Syria, Al Etihad of Egypt and Anibal Zahle on identical 2-1 records thanks to the Syrians’ sensational 88-85 triumph over the Egyptians yesterday.

The Filipino could actually snatch the top seeding if they beat Al Wahda and Anibal Zahle defeats Etihad since they beat the Lebanese club team in the opener.

RP would be relegated to No. 2 if it beats Al Wahad and Al Etihad wound up trouncing Anibal in today’s final group stage matches.

A loss though would automatically relegate the Nationals to the No. 3 or No. 4 seeding in the quarters.

“It would be a crucial game for us,” said Lim.

Smart Gilas is expected to ride on the shoulders anew of naturalization candidates Marcus Douthit, who dropped a monster 17-point and 17-rebound performance on the host team to seal the rout for the Filipinos.

The 6-10 Douthit also unloaded 16 points and 18 boards against Anibal Zahle of Lebanon in Friday’s opener for Smart Gilas’ first win but was slowed down by the taller, bigger Al Etihgad of Egypt frontcourt and was held to just nine points and eight caroms in a painful 72-85 defeat Saturday.