Smart Gilas failed to match an energized and inspired Egyptian squad, losing 75-84 in the finals of the Dubai International men’s basketball tournament Saturday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Its nation turning chaotic after thousands of Egyptians filled the streets of Cairo demanding for the resignation of their president, Hosni Mubarak, Egypt’s basketball team turned on the heat in the second half of its winner take-all match against the Filipinos.
The Egyptians completed their rally from a 33-44 deficit at the half with a barrage of three-pointers in the fourth quarter. They unloaded five three-pointers in a backbreaking stretch in the final period for a 74-66 lead with three minutes left in the game.
A free throw by Ahmed Tarek gave Egypt its biggest lead at 80-70 with only 1:33 left, and that virtually sealed the outcome.
Smart Gilas controlled the tempo of the match earlier even without import Marcus Douthit, who was thrown out in the first period.
Douthit, who only needs the signature of President Noynoy Aquino to obtain Philippine citizenship, got involved in a fracas with an Egyptian player in the first quarter. Both players were thrown out of the game.
PBA reinforcement Asi Taulava picked up the slack in Douthit’s absence, but the Egyptians grabbed more offensive rebounds and started to hit from long distance.
Smart Gilas’ second-place finish was an improvement from last year’s in this same tournament. The Filipinos placed third last year despite hardly using then import Jamaal Sampson.
The national developmental squad will return to Manila and prepare for the import-flavored PBA second conference, which begins on the third week of February. Smart Gilas will take the spot of Barako Bull, which filed a leave of absence.
