Jones Cup: Gilas Pilipinas defeats USA after surviving late rally

The Philippine national team defeated a selection from the United States, 78-74, but not before a late scare for coach Tab Baldwin and company on Saturday in Taiwan.

Gilas Pilipinas led by as much as 18 points in the third period, but allowed the Americans to come roaring back in the final period.

Led by former PBA imports Marquin Chandler and Calvin Warner, the US squad whittled down the deficit all the way down to just three points, 74-71, with 31 seconds left.

Gabe Norwood, handling point guard duties with Jimmy Alapag, Jayson Castro, and Terrence Romeo on reserve, missed on a jumper, but Ranidel De Ocampo saved the day with an offensive rebound.

Dondon Hontiveros, the hero of Gilas' inspiring win over New Zealand's Wellington Saints on Friday, iced the game with two free throws with less than three seconds left.

The victory was the fifth for Gilas in seven games. The team is out of the running for the gold medal after Iran's victory over Russia on Saturday, but can still clinch the silver with a win in its final assignment on Sunday against Chinese Taipei's B team. - JST, GMA News