Smart-Gilas Pilipinas surprise team Chinese Taipei and end a 24-year semifinal drought in FIBA tourney thus gave millions of Filipino fans back home a lot to cheer by with an impressive come from behind victory against a dangerous Taiwanese team with the score of 95-78.
Naturalized center Marcus Douthit once again proved his dominance with game-highs on either end of the floor and with the support of JV Casio who sparked the Filipino rally tonight and all the around Filipino offense which put them in the semifinals for the 12th time in FIBA Asia Championship – but only the first time since the 1987 edition at Bangkok, where the team finished fourth.
“It’s a fantastic feeling,” gushed Philippines coach Rajko Toroman.
“This (the win) shows this team has the ability to make history. Philippines team is in the semifinals after such a long time. I think we have the ability to go all the way,” he said.
“I think we didn’t control the rebounds well in the first quarter,” said Douthit who poured in a massive 37 points and collected 10 rebounds.
“We didn’t control their shooters. We gave them too many second chance points,” he added.
“It’s a dream moment. Playing for the National Team and making the semifinals of this competition is a dream come true,” said Ranidel De Ocampo who scored 18 points and collected 5 rebounds besides dishing out 3 assists.
“We were outplayed by a better team.
There’s no doubt in that,” said Taipei coach.
Philipines will face a different and more confident and inspired Jordanian squad which stunned the two time defending champion and Asian powerhouse team Iran.
FIBA-ASIA
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