The victory evened the head-to-head match-up between the Nationals and the Niños, who hired American Jason Dixon for the exhibition matches, at one game each.
The Niños won their first encounter, 82-76, in February last year and the two will get to settle the score at 5 p.m. still at the Cebu Coliseum.
Gilas’ win also ended the Niños’ string of 26 victories dating back to the Liga Pilipinas regular season.
Coming in full force, Gilas showed the Cebuanos the brand of basketball they will display in the various international competitions, including the Asian Games this November, and they didn’t disappoint.
From the basic half-court execution and outside shooting, to the razzle-dazzle fast break plays, the Gilas brought put the Cebuano fans to the edge of their seats from the start to finish.
Japeth Aguilar provided the highlights of the games with two alley-oop dunks to make sure of another full house game today.
However, the game also had its drama.
With 6:28 left, Gilas coach Rajko Toroman motioned his players to proceed to the dugout after team captain Chris Tiu was called for an offensive foul.
However, he did not carry out the plan and instead pleaded his case to the referees for almost five minutes before deciding to continue with the game.
Following that incident, Aguilar brought the house down with back-to-back alley-hoop dunks that secured the game for the Gilas.
The Niños, however, did not give away the game in a silver platter and even managed to hold on to the lead until the 7:30 mark of the third.
Source: Rommel Manlosa | StarSun Cebu
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