FIBA Asia Champions Cup: ‘Gilas Pilipinas’ bows to Iran’s Mahram

MANILA, Philippines – The “Smart Gilas Pilipinas" team fought Mahram of Iran toe-to-toe in the first half but eventually yielded to the taller WABA champions, 87-98, Wednesday in the 20th FIBA Asia Cahmpions Cup in Jakarta. Surprising Mahram with their speed, the Filipino cagers managed to stay within two points at the turn, 44-46, before the Iranians, behind American import Jackson Vroman and Olympian Samad Nikkah, imposed their will and pulled away to 72-63. A report from FIBA Asia's website showed that Vroman, a former New Orleans Hornets, was an immovable force against Gilas Pilipinas, pumping in 42 points on a 16-of-23 shooting clip while collaring 13 rebounds in a 40-minute job. He got ample support from Nikkah, captain of the Iranian national squad that played at the Beijing Olympics, pumped in 19 points – all in the second half that broke the backs of the game Filipinos. Mahram’s second import, Priest Lauderdale, collected 16 points and 11 rebounds despite seeing action only in the first two quarters. Olympics-seeking Gilas Pilipinas drew a balanced scoring attack from Mark Barroca (18), import Chester Giles (14) and Dylan Ababou and Marc Bacarael (11 apiece). With the loss, the Filipino developmental team dropped to 1-1 in Group A play after opening the tournament with a rousing 90-76 win over Sangmoo of Korea. Still, "Gilas Pilipinas" coach Rajko Toroman expressed satisfaction with how his wards, a bunch of collegiate stars tasked to possibly qualify for the 2012 Olympics, handled themselves against the bigger, more experienced Iranians. “I’m very proud of the way my boys played," Toroman, who incidentally steered Iran to the 2007 FIBA Asia Championship title and coached them at the 2008 Olympics, was quoted by fibaasia.net. “I’m in no way disappointed with our performance. The boys showed we have the attitude to play big opposition without any fear." Mahram coach Mostafa Hashemi admitted they had to make major adjustments in the second half to counter the Philippines’ speed. “We were caught completely off guard by their speed. We had to make a couple of changes in our thinking," Hashemi said. “We are yet getting used to the condition. And their speed unsettled us. I hope we can learn from this and improve as the tournament progresses." The Filipinos next face Al Riyadi Beirut of Lebanon (2-0) on Friday. The Lebanese, though, might miss the services of top gun Fadi El Khatib, who injured his back in their 97-86 win over Sangmoo. –GMANews.TV