MANILA, Philippines - Smart-Gilas Pilipinas survives a late rally from Chinese Taipei, 75-68, to secure a semifinal showdown against Iran in the 4th FIBA Asia Cup.
The Philippine team dominated inside collecting 50 rebounds and scoring 40 points in the shaded area againt the 31 rebounds and 28 points of Chinese Taipei. It wasn't the best showing on offense for the Filipinos but their defense was able to hold off the Taiwanese.
Head coach Chot Reyes said on microblogging site Twitter that their 'rust showed' and they 'need to play a lot better' to have a chance against Iran.
Not pretty at all. Our rust showed. But at least we found a way. We need to play a LOT better to have a chance vs Iran tom — Chot Reyes (@coachot) September 20, 2012
Philippines led Taipei at the end of the first half, 38-32. Gilas' Douthit was a force in the paint scoring 13 points and hauling down 11 rebounds.
SMART-Gilas moves into the semifinals on Friday against powerhouse Iran, which dispatched Uzbekistan, 79-37, earlier in the day. Iran, which is the last undefeated team in the tournament, will be trying to avenge its 77-75 loss to SMART-Gilas in the 34th William Jones Cup last month.
The scores:
SMART-Gilas Pilipinas (75) – Douthit 19, David 14, De Ocampo 10, Fonacier 9, Tenorio 9, Chan 5, Dillinger 5, Norwood 4, Thoss 0.
Chinese Taipei (68) – Creighton 21, Lin 12, Chen 11, Tien 7, Wu 6, Mao 4, Chang 3, Lee 3, Tseng 1, Lu 0.
Quarters: 10-13, 38-32, 54-53, 75-68.
Sept 20 Game Results (KO QUARTERFINALS)
QF1 - Iran def. Uzbekistan, 79-37
QF2 - Philippines def. Taipei, 75-68
QF3 - Qatar def. Lebanon, 79-72
QF4 - Japan def. China, 60-50
Source : Rappler.com
