Gallant Gilas overpowers Malaysia

JAKARTA – Smart Gilas Pilipinas survived Malaysia’s furious three-point shooting in the first three quarters then rode on a big fourth period run to post a 97-71 victory at the start of the ninth Southeast Asian Basketball Association Championship at the BritAma Arena here last night.

With half of its 10-man roster either injured or coming in sick, the Nationals struggled while trying to find their rhythm three fourths of the way before stamping their class in the last 10 minutes to win pulling away to the delight of a small but loud Filipino delegation.

“We’re playing with nine men and some of them are coming from injuries that’s why we came here not prepared because we haven’t really practiced as a complete team,” said Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman.

JV Casio and Japeth Aguilar, slowed down by foot injuries, still led the Phl charge with 19 and 18 points, respectively, powering the Filipinos to the victory and a win away from booking a slot in the FIBA-Asia Championship slated Sept. 11-25 in Wuhan, China.

“I’m okay but I’m not yet in game shape,” said Casio, who teamed up with the high-leaping Aguilar in key runs in the second half to take the fight out of the Malaysians.

Naturalized Marcus Douthit, who got the green light to play for Team Phl from the FIBA, had 14 points and 15 rebounds but made six turnovers.

Smart Gilas takes on host Indonesia at 6 p.m. (7 p.m. Phl time) tonight before closing out its elims campaign against Singapore 4 p.m. (5 p.m. Phl time) tomorrow. The top two teams, although assured of slots in the Asian tournament, will dispute the SEABA crown Sunday.

Marcio Lassiter came with the team but re-injured his back in Wednesday’s practice. He has been advised to take a rest, leaving Smart Gilas with just nine players, including injured Chris Lutz (quadriceps) and ailing Dylan Ababou.

But skipper Chris Tiu, Mark Barroca, Mac Baracael, Ababou and Jason Ballesteros got the job done, backing up Douthit, Aguilar and Casio.

“Despite the fact that the line-up is depleted, the expectation is that the opponent in the SEABA is not that strong compared to the competition that the team is used to like the PBA and FIBA-Asia Champions Cup. I’m confident with the team, I know they will rise to the challenge and that injuries will not be an excuse,” said SBP executive director Sonny Barrios.

Joey Villar, Philippine Star