An efficient Gilas performance brought an end to Qatar’s unbeaten run last night in the second round of the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship. The home team, who lost Marcus Douthit in the third quarter to a knee injury, won the game 80-70 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Gilas led by as much as 20 points as early as the second quarter and just before Douthit hurt his knee they were up 55-32 in the third. Qatar failed to capitalise and the expected threat from former NBA star Jarvis Hayes never materialised.
Even though he left the game in the third quarter, Marcus Douthit led the Philippines with 19 points and 14 rebounds.
“Pending a miracle, I think we just arranged a date with China in the quarterfinals. If it happens, so be it. We just have to find a way to play a game like this to give us a chance. Now we gotta prepare hard for what is going to be the biggest battle of the tournament” said coach Chot Reyes after the game.
Before the expected matchup against China in the quarterfinals, Gilas play Hong Kong on Wednesday in their final second round game at 8.30pm.
Photo: FIBA Asia
