Gilas blows final bid, yields to Iran

TOKYO – Smart Gilas Pilipinas succumbed to powerhouse Iran’s superior firepower and unwavering defense and blew a shot at the FIBA Asia Cup finals with a 60-77 loss at the Ota Gymnasium here Friday.

The Nationals were down by only three at 47-

50 but went on a four-minute scoring spell, allowing the Iranians to seize momentum for the 17-point victory and a crack at the coveted crown.

Japan whipped Qatar, 73-66, to move into the championship against Iran tomorrow.

Numerous lapses dogged the Filipinos early on, preventing them from sustaining the momentum of their 17-11 start.

A fourth foul drawn by Marcus Douthit with 8:06 left followed by the fifth and final of backup center Sonny Thoss moments later doomed Gilas.

The Nationals, however, still have a chance to improve on their fourth-place finish in Beirut in 2010, going for third place against Qatar at 2 p.m. tomorrow.

The Iranians put the Filipinos in a bind, holding Douthit down to 11 points and seven rebounds and forcing Gilas to commit 23 huge turnovers.

Douthit and guards LA Tenorio, Gabe Norwood and Jarred Dillinger accounted for at least four errors each, compounding Gilas dilemma against the tall, organized Iranian team under Slovenian coach Memhet Becirovic.

“We analyzed all the Philippine games. We knew we have to put pressure on defense. If we can play good defense, we have a good chance to beat them,” said Oshin Sahakian, one of five Iran players who had at least 12 points each.

“Yes, Iran had a great defensive game plan. In the end, basketball is about putting the basket in the hoops. We combined for just 7-of-23 three-point shooting. If we can’t make our outside shots, we really don’t have a chance of winning against this excellent team,” said Gilas coach Chot Reyes.

Playing brilliantly in one stretch and sloppy in another stretch, the Filipinos fought the Iranians to a 30-deadlock in the first half.

Gilas enjoyed a six-point cushion at 17-11 on a 14-3 assault but lost it as quickly on a scoreless spell in the next three minutes of play.

The Nationals, dogged by numerous lapses by backcourt players Gabe Norwood, LA Tenorio and Jarred Dillinger, simply could not keep pace once the Iranians hit their stride and scored at will behind tremendous snipings and methodical undergoal offensive thrusts.

Earlier, China crushed Lebanon, 78-63, and Chinese Taipei whipped Uzbekistan, 86-70, to arrange a duel for fifth place.