The Filipinos, who trounced the hosts in a low-scoring ballgame, 46-38, Friday, were held to just three points in the extra period while allowing the Qataris to score 11 to even things up in their goodwill series in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Noli Eala, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director, took notice of the inclusion of an OT considering it was just a mere exhibition game.
“There should be no overtime but I guess Qatar would not want not to win at least one game,” said Eala.
Saad Abdlrah led the Qataris with 22 points while Efran Ali added 14 points as they improved to 2-1 against Smart Gilas, which lost to the former in the quarterfinals of the FIBA-Asia Champions Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia last year.
Mark Barroca and Chris Tiu took charge for Smart Gilas with 20 and 14 points, respectively, while import Jamal Sampson came away with 12 points and 13 rebounds with three shot blocks and two steals to boot.
Unlike in the first game, the Qataris found a way to break out of the Nationals’ solid interior defense as they built leads of as many as 11 points in the first half.
But Barroca and Tiu combined with the 6-11 Sampson in rallying the Nationals in the second half.
Tiu knocked in a triple with six seconds remaining in regulation period to force the overtime at 66.
Smart Gilas even surged ahead, 69-66, early in the extension but the hosts struck with key baskets en route to scoring 11 points for the victory.
Eala, however, said there was a questionable call in overtime that completely changed the complexion of the game.
“There was a crucial call with Qatar up, 70-69. Smart Gilas forced a turnover and Barroca got a fast break pass only to be called for a traveling violation,” said Eala. “Still, it was a good game.”
Smart Gilas is set to see action in the Dubai Invitational slated Jan 14-23 as part of its buildup for a crack at a berth in the 2010 Olympics.
The Dubai tilt features the top teams in the region, including Al Riyadi of Lebanon, Zain and ASU Sports Club of Jordan, Al Jalaa Aleppo and Al Ittihad Aleppo of Syria, Al Ittihad Alexandria of Egypt and the United Arab Emirates nationals squad.
Source: Joey Villar | Philstar.com
Is this the National Squad of Qatar? It it is, then they showed a good fight, if not. That only mean one thing. Madami pa tayo masyadong kakaining bigas pagdating sa International Basketball. But I believe they can make it.
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