China survives SMART-Gilas in FIBA Asia Cup opener

InterAKTV · Friday, September 14, 2012 · 5:41 pm

source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/china-survives-smart-gilas-in-fiba-asia-cup-opener

Photo courtesy of Chot Reyes

The SMART-Gilas Pilipinas fell just short against a taller China squad, 71-68, in their opening match in the FIBA Asia Cup Friday in Tokyo, Japan.
China grabbed a lead early after hounding the Philippines to bad three-point shooting and taking advantage of foul trouble on SMART-Gilas center Marcus Douthit.
But SMART-Gilas cut loose after the break, turning a 40-33 halftime deficit into a 56-54 advantage in the third quarter.
SMART-Gilas opened the fourth quarter with an 8-2 run, but China with a 13-0 run of its own to take a 69-66 edge with less than two minutes left.
Douthit stopped the bleeding with a basket, before China responded with a score of its own. With SMART-Gilas down three points with 40 seconds left, Jeff Chan and Gary David each missed attempts from beyond the arc.
SMART-Gilas sent Cao Fei to the line, but the Chinese guard missed both free throws, giving the Philippines anothere chance. But LA Tenorio and Larry Fonacier missed final three-point attempts that could have tied the game.