Gilas 59, Iran 78!

It was an ugly game. The only players who played decently were Mark Barroca and Japeth Aguilar. And, by halftime, they, plus Asi Taulava, were the only ones still making the effort to play by Toroman's system.

Douthit's weaknesses have now been exposed by Haddadi. Give Douthit the long jumper and he falls in love with it. Douthit went 0-7 in the first 10 minutes of the game, scoring only 2 points on free throws and the Iranians went up 11-2.

Gilas 38, Iran 56 At End Of Third Quarter!

This is the first time I have seen Gilas play undisciplined, selfish, stupid basketball.

Seriously. They are playing like the Philippine National Teams of 5 years ago. Barroca and Aguilar are the only ones still trying to play Toroman's system. Douthit, Baracael, Tiu, Hontiveros, Lassiter and Lutz are simply out of it.

Oh yeah, we're still giving up a ton of offensive rebounds and we're playing stupid defense.

Gilas Vs Iran: Halftime!

Iran leads 36-27.

It was a bad, bad start for the Philippines as Iran blazed out to an 11-2 lead, courtesy of Hamed Haddadi. Haddadi has singlehandedly destroyed Team Pilipinas, mocking the defense of Marcus Douthit, Japeth Aguilar and Asi Taulava.

In fact, at one point in the second quarter, Haddadi had just as many points(22) as the entire Gilas team.

Jones Cup Semifinals A Rematch Affair.

Gilas vs Iran. Korea vs Chinese-Taipei.

One pair met on the first day of eliminations. The other, on the last day. Tomorrow, they meet again to determine who goes on to the finals.

When the Jones Cup started, the unexpected withdrawal of South Africa brought about a reshuffling of first day opponents and the Philippines found themselves ranged against the two-time defending champion. Most expected an Iranian blowout. Instead, it was Team Pilipinas who dominated the ball game, coming away with an emphatic 73-59 victory.

Gilas In Semifinals!

They had to win. So they did. But not before Japan's Team B scared the living daylights out of them.

Kai Juro Matsui went 8-8 from threepoint land en route to 27 points for Japan. The red hot Matsui simply would not be denied, despite the frenetic defense put up by Chris Lutz, Marcio Lassiter and even Japeth Aguilar. Matsui went 6-6 in the first half before slowing down  in the second half.

Gilas Can Not Lose To Japan!

This is the must-win game of all must win games.

If Gilas beats Japan, all possible win-loss combinations have them safely making the semifinal round.

If Gilas loses to Japan, they would be eliminated in about half of the win-loss combinations, with the top four being composed of Korea (sure) Jordan (win over Gilas), Japan (win over Gilas) Taiwan (superior record with a win over Korea) or Iran (superior record with a win over Jordan).

That being said, the boys should be pumped up and ready to go to battle later.

Go Gilas!

Gilas Wins Over UAE!

And then, it was back. The offensive groove. The defensive intensity. The extra pass. The pinpoint three. The alleyoop dunk. The rim rattlers.

Maybe it was the light opposition. Maybe it was a little bit of desperation. Maybe it was disgust over the bitter taste of defeat.

Whatever the reason, Gilas morphed back into the smooth basketball machine we first saw against Iran, dumping UAE  95-60.

Marcus Douthit led the Nationals with 23 points and 13 rebounds while Chris Lutz and Marcio Lassiter added 13 points each.

The Nationals battle Japan later,

More on this story here.

Gilas Loses To South Korea 78-70!

JV Casio just solidified his claim as the best point guard in Asia. Unfortunately, Gilas still lost.

Casio wreaked havoc in the Korean backcourt, scoring 27 points in a variety of ways. Threepointers, free throws, bankers, jumpers, stop and pops, leaners, floaters, teardrops, you name it, Casio hit it.

A well rested Marcus Douthit scored 16 points and grabbed 8 rebounds but battled fouls problem in the fourth quarter, limiting his effectivity. Mac Baracael scored 13 points, and gallantly battled the towering Oh Sek Eun in the post, despite giving up around 4 inches in height.

Gilas Vs Korea: Halftime!

Korea leads the Philippines 37-28 on a series of heartbreaking plays.

The Philippines used to lead Korea 25-23 when Korea reeled off an 11-1 run hinged on 2 three pointers before hitting a last second 3 to pad the lead even more.

Marcus Douthit has been having a good game but he's the only one who is. JV Casio, Chris Tiu and Dondon Hontiveros have missed several wide open shots while Marcio Lassiter and Chris Lutz are not their usual rabid selves on defense.

Japeth Aguilar has not been involved on offense although he is quite active on defense.

But if we are to get back into this game, the guards are the key.

Must-Win For Gilas Today!

A win means a chance of finishing in the top two of the Jones Cup. A loss means dropping down to, at best, fourth place.

Smart-Gilas is currently in a three way tie at 2nd place with host Chinese Taipei and tormentor Jordan on the fifth day of Jones Cup hostilities.

South Korea is securely on top with a clean record, one that Gilas hopes to blemish today.

Pinay Softbelles Win, Goes To Finals!

It's time for payback!

The Pinay softbelles eked by Puerto Rico 8-7 to clinch a seat in the Big League Softball World Series Championships against perennial tormentor Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The two teams have already met earlier with the Pinays winning 4-1. Expect sparks to fly as the girls from Michigan, led by pretty pitcher Megan Groom, try to avenge that loss while the Pinay softbelles led by charming Veronica Belleza try to win a championship after twice being thwarted by Michigan.

Scoreboard here.

MVP Is Indeed The MVP of Philippine Sports!

Is Manny Pangilinan the knight in shining armor of Philippine sports?

Reports indicate that may very well be just that. POC insiders have revealed that MVP has committed to supporting the Philippine team which will be sent to the upcoming SEA Games.

With the POC's limited budget of just 30million, it would be impossible for them to send all qualified Filipino athletes to the SEA Games as each athlete-delegate is budgeted at around P100,000 each.

But with Manny Pangilinan seemingly taking care of 4 major sports (basketball, boxing, tae kwon do, badminton) more doors could be opened for the other Filipino athletes.

MVP has already taken under his wing the national basketball team (Smart-Gilas), the national football team (Azkals), plus the national teams for tennis, badminton, boxing, tae kwon do, running, baseball and cycling.

Maybe we should just name his President of Philippine Sports?

Softbelles Finals Bid In Peril!

It's win or go home for the Pinay softbelles.

Needing just one win to clinch a finals seat, the Pinay softbelles gave up a two run lead in the fourth and succumbed to the pressure to allow four more as they were upset by Delaware 8-4.

Rizza Bernardino could not sustain her brillaint form as she gave up 6 runs in the last 3 innings which included two homers from Asia Brittingham.

The Pinays must now win over Puerto Rico today to have a chance at the finals.

More on this story here.

The Taulava Punching Incident!

Taulava missed with the first punch but connected with the left one.

Gilas Wins Over Malaysia, 86-68!

Gilas pulled away in the third and just kept pace in the fourth to comfortably win over Malaysia 86-68.

Jason Ballesteros played extended minutes and so did Dylan Ababou, two Gilas Nationals not normally seen on the floor.

JV Casio also did not see much time as Coach Toroman elected to rest his main guns as he looks forward to tomorrow's game against undefeated South Korea.

It remains to be seen if Asi Taulava will be suspended for the upcoming games, as the Gilas big man threw punches against Yoong Jing Kwaan for hitting him below the belt and "squeezing his balls".

UPDATE: Taulava escapes suspension and is cleared to play against South Korea.

More on this story here.

Asi Taulava Thrown Out of Game!

A dirty play by the Malaysians send Asi Taulava to the ground, clutching his...man parts. Asi comes up swinging and is thrown out of the game.

Gilas Comes Out Blazing In Third Quarter!

A 3 point lead turned into a 19 point lead in 10 minutes. That's what Gilas can do when it's focused and in sync.

Gilas firmly in the driver's seat as fourth quarter starts.

Gilas Leads Malaysia At Halftime!

Gilas leads Malaysia 37-34.

Marcus Douthit has not played at all, Baracael and Lassiter are carrying the cudgels on offense but  nobody is stepping up on defense. That, I think, is the key factor here. No one is playing defense worth spit.

Also, this is a glimpse of life without Marcus Douthit. While teams like Jordan and South Korea are blowing out Malaysia by 40 points, we're barely beating them by 3.

Oh, and why is the ESPN commentator anti-Filipino? He has barely anything good to say about the Philippine players.

When they make a good play, he says that's just par for the course. If their opponents make a good play, he goes on and on like it's highlight reel material. Come on, man, you're a sports commentator and you're supposed to be objective!

Gilas Leads Malaysia in First Quarter!

Surprise, surprise! Gilas leads Malaysia by just 2 point, 15-13 at the end of the first quarter.

What could be a reason for this surprising score is the fact that Jason Ballesteros is playing heavy minutes, as Coach Rajko Toroman rests both Japeth Aguilar and Marcus Douthit.

Macmac Baracael is singlehandedly destroying Malaysia at the start of the second quarter, scoring 5 straight points.

Pinay Softbelles Win Again, Nears Finals!

The Pinay softbelles got back on the winning track by thrashing Kalamazoo, Michigan 10-1 in the Big League Softball World Series.

This is the 6th victory in 7 games for the Pinays, who only need to win 1 more game in the remaining 2. They face Delaware today and San Juan, Puerto Rico tomorrow.

More on this story here.

Toroman Threatens Walkout!

Just how mad is Gilas coach Rajko Toroman at a certain ref from Hong Kong? Enough that he has threatened to walk out if Yuen Chun Yip officiates the next game.

Yuen was a referee in yesterday's Gilas' horribly officiated game vs Chinese Taipei and was the referee again in Gilas' game today against Jordan.

Here's the excerpt of Toroman's interview from the philstar.com.

Gilas Loses To Jordan 72-76!

It was a tough loss and a tough game but I'm proud of Gilas. They really gave Jordan major problems and, were it not for Jordan's mind games working on Douthit, the Philippines could have pulled of another upset.

Not to worry though. The new format has a championship round, where the 1st and 2nd placers battle each other for the championships. If we get another crack at Jordan, I'm sure we'll turn the table on them.

More on this story here.

Gilas Down By 2, 74-72, With 30 Seconds Left!

Kapit!

Halftime: Jordan 34, Gilas 32!

We expected them to be a tough match up and that's exactly what they are.

Jordan took advantage of the Marcus Douthit's 3 minute rest period near the end of the 2nd quarter to overhaul a 32-29 deficit and convert it into a 2 point lead by halftime.

Mark Barroca is the man of the half for Gilas, scoring 13 points and grabbing 3 rebounds as the Jordanians swarm Douthit and Japeth Aguilar in the shaded area.

For Gilas to pull this game out of the fire, guards JV Casio, Chris Tiu and Mark Barroca must step it up even more.

2nd Quarter: Gilas leads Jordan 28-23!

Gilas is having a tough time with Jordan but they are still able run their offensive sets well. They are being manhadled by the bigger Jordanians but they are using quickness to even out the playing field.

Baracael, Lassiter, Tiu, Casio and Douthit are never giving the Jordanians an inch.

Toughest match ups are Chris Tiu against Rasheim Wright and Mac Baracael against Zaid Abbas.

What Is Gilas Doing Right In The Jones Cup?

In the very first day of the Jone Cup competitions, the Gilas Nationals pulled off what should be the upset of the tournament, a 73-59 victory over two-time defending champion Iran.

Then, they bucked spotty officiating and a hostile crowd by defeating the home team Chinese Taipei 90-78.

That being said, there are three things that are Gilas is doing better than their opponents:

Gilas Trips Chinese Taipei!

Two hard games, two wins.

The Gilas National Basketball Team survived the first two days of Jones Cup competitions by notching its second straight win in two days, this time, over host team Chinese Taipei 90-78.

Halftime: Philippines Vs Chinese Taipei

The Gilas Nationals continue to play hard physical defense and coordinated team basketball to lead the home team Chinese Taipei, 49-36.

Marcus Douthit leads Gilas in scoring with 14 points, with Japeth Aguilar scoring 10. The Pinoy duo is making the Taiwanese pay with their play inside, taking Taiwan's star center Tseng Wen-Ting out of his comfort zone with bruising defense and then taking him out of the game by drawing fouls of him.

Lin Chih-Chieh leads Taiwan with 10 points.

Pinoy Dragon Boat Champion Rowers Add Two More Golds!

Minimal support, maximum glory.

The Philippine Dragon Boat Team has struck gold twice more, winning the 200m Small Boat event and the 500m Premier Open Mixed event.

Their four golds have already exceeded the exploits of any other national team this year, a fact that seems to have escaped the attention of local media outlets and government officials.

With the competitions drawing to a close on Sunday, the Pinoy paddlers affectionately called the "Dragon Warriors" still have a chance to reap even more glory for the Philippines.

More on this story here.

Gilas Stuns Iran In Jones Cup!

HOLY CRAP!

It's been five hours since the Gilas Nationals took apart defending champion and 2008 Olympians Iran,  73-59, and I still can't believe it.

Marcus Douthit led Gilas in scoring, ending up with 24 points as well as 11 rebounds. Mark Barroca and JV Casio scored 13 and 11 points respectively, while dishing out some hardcore defense on the other end of the floor.

Hamed Haddadi, the tournament's lone NBA player, scored 25 points but could not will Iran to a victory.

More on this story here.

Pinay Softbelles Win 4th Straight!

The Pinay softbelles continue their dominating ways at the Little League Girls Softball World Series as they beat defending champions Grand Rapids, Michigan 4-1.

Veronica Belleza continue to dazzle all batters while Rizza Bernardino, Chichiro Bamba and Clariz Palma pummel their way through all comers with disciplined hitting and brilliant baserunning.

This victory comes as sweet revenge as the Pinays lost the championship to Grand Rapids in 2008 and in 2010.

Earlier, the Pinays trampled all over Italy in just 5 innings, 13-0.

The Asia-Pacific champions next go up against the champs from the Southeast Division.

More on this story here. 

Game stats here.