Smart Gilas Pilipinas' ploy of resting Marcus Douthit and JV Casio in their match against Malaysia in the 33rd William Jones Cup almost backfired.

Gilas overcame a poor start and used a third-quarter scoring blitz in thrashing Malaysia, 86-68, on Tuesday at the Hsinjhuang Stadium in New Taipei City, Taiwan.

Coach Rajko Toroman rested Douthit and Casio to prepare them from an expected tough outing against Korea on Thursday.

"We tried to rest our point guard (Casio) and our big guy (Douthit) for our next game against Korea," said Toroman, who obviously wasn’t satisfied with the way his team played in the opening half. “It was not a good game for us. We have to play much better."

The victory got the Nationals back on track after losing to Jordan Monday, 76-72, and improved their record to 3-1 overall heading to their 5 p.m. showdown with the unbeaten Koreans for a possible shot at a semifinals berth.



The winless Malaysians (0-4) took advantage of Douthit and Casio's absence, stalking the Nationals for two-and-a-half quarters, and even took a 38-37 lead early in the third.

Gilas then unleashed a game-turning 24-2 run to break the game wide open for a 61-40 lead.

Gilas, however, lost Asi Taulava after that scoring run as the veteran big man was thrown out of the game after he punch Malaysia's Kwan Jing, whom he accused of deliberately committing an obscene foul with 7.4 seconds left in the third.

Kwan was likewise thrown out by game officials.

"He grabbed my balls, squeezed it and then back-punched it," said Taulava, who later apologized for his action.

Skipper Chris Tiu and Mac Baracael paced Gilas with 14 points each, Japeth Aguilar and Marcio Lassiter added 13, while Chris Lutz had 12.


Gilas team manager Frankie Lim said Taulava escaped possible suspension and is expected to play when the Nationals face undefeated South Korea on Wednesday.

Scores:

Philippines 86 — Baracael 14, Tiu 14, Lassiter 13, Aguilar 13, Lutz 12, Ababou 6, Barroca 5, Ballesteros 4, Hontiveros 3, Taulava 2.

Malaysia 68 — Chee 15, Ng 9, Ong 8, Ho 6, Kuek 5, Wee 5, Batumalai 4, Ooi 4, Loh 4, Kwaan 4, Chin 2, So 2.

Quarter scores: 16-13, 37-34, 64-45, 86-68.






Related video to Asi  

 
source: ASEAN Basketball League: Kwaan Yoong Jing hits Steve Thomas in the nuts

source: JVP -GMA News