Philippine Sports News and Updates

JAKARTA – It took Smart Gilas Pilipinas an extra five minutes but the Nationals still did it, beating Satria Muda of host Indonesia, 112-107, to finish fifth in the 20th FIBA-Asia Champions Cup at the Britama Arena here.

The Filipinos failed to cut loose in the first half despite the absence of the Indonesian’s second import Rashad Powell, who was ejected with 3.59 left in the first quarter after throwing an elbow to JR Cawaling.

Nakeia Miller, however, kept the Indonesians in the game by exploding for 41 points but fouled out in the extra period, enabling the Nationals to pound out the win.

Mark Barroca finished with a double-double job of 31 points and 10 assists he spiked with two steals while Giles had 24 points and 17 rebounds to anchor the victory for the Filipinos.

Dylan Ababou, Aldrech Ramos and team captain Chris Tiu also stepped up with 20, 14 and 14 points, respectively.

But more than the decent finish, the Filipinos got what they wanted – respect.

“Initially, we came here to reach the quarterfinals. But after winning three games (in the eliminations), we wanted to be in the semifinals. We think we deserve to be there, to be in the first four teams,” said RP’s Serbian coach Rajko Toroman.

“But you know, there are some things we have no control of. But the way this team is playing, the way we are fighting for the country and the flag is really amazing.

“All I can say is congratulations to the players, they showed the rest of the teams here that the Philippines can be competitive too,” he said.

The Nationals are returning home today to recharge and, a few days later, will proceed to Japan to play the Japanese national team in a four-game exhibition series.

After the Japan trip, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas will start preparing the naturalization papers of American import CJ Giles.

“What do you think, it’s a perfect team to us?” SBP executive director Noli Eala asked the Filipino media.

The athletic, long-limbed 6-11 Giles more than lived up to expectations and had good chemistry with the Filipino players.

Giles normed 18 points, 15 rebounds and two shot blocks despite sustaining an injury in a shock win over 2007 FIBA-Asia Championship runner-up Al Riyadi of Lebanon.

“Some countries showed their interest in acquiring CJ Giles, but we will not give him away,” said Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Noli Eala.

• Philstar
• Philippine Sports Central