FIBA-Asia: Birthday boy Hontiveros helps Gilas sweep Group A matches

Dondon Hontiveros made a crucial three-point play late in the game to lift Pilipinas-Smart Gilas to a hard-fought 76-74 victory over ASU-Jordan in the 2011 FIBA-Asia Champions Cup in front of a raucous crowd at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. Hontiveros, who was celebrating his 34th birthday, fired 23 points as Gilas finished on top of Group A with a four-game sweep of its elimination round assignments. "Malaki kumpiyansa ko dahil maraming nanonood at birthday ko pa," said Hontiveros, who had a nightmarish 1-of-11 field goal shooting in Gilas’ game against the KL Dragons. The Air21 outside gunner, a late entry in Gilas’ roster, caught fire and shot 6-of-11 from three-point distance to put the Nationals in contention in the annual Asian club championship. But Hontiveros’ biggest shot came in the 3:09 mark that put Gilas ahead for good. With the game knotted at 63-all, Chris Tiu missed a three-pointer from the left corner but Hontiveros grabbed the offensive board and scored on a putback while being fouled in the process. He completed the three-point play and the Nationals’ defense limited Jordan to two field goals – Osama Daghles’ three-pointers late in the game – in the final three minutes of the game. ASU-Jordan got its points from the free throw line. "Jordan is bigger in size but the important thing is that we are fighting defensively. The players showed the heart in this game especially on defense," said Gilas coach Rajko Toroman. Zaid Abbas hit two free throws but JV Casio scored after claiming the loose ball inside. Daghles, a FIBA world championship veteran, split his free throws on an unsportsmanlike foul by Hontiveros to trim the deficit to two points, 68-66. Gilas’ defense hold its ground with Asi Taulava forcing former PBA import Jameel Watkins flubbing a hook shot inside the paint and Wesam Al Sous missing a triple. Mac Baracael forced Daghles to miss a long jumper and JV Casio scored on a running shot over Watkins at the other end to give Gilas a 70-66 lead with 28.8 seconds left in the game. Gilas made six free throws – which sandwiched Daghles’ back-to-back three pointers – down the stretch to seal the outcome of the match. Marcus Douthit played limited minutes because of foul trouble. He finished with 14 points and seven rebounds. The Nationals actually committed 29 fouls compared to ASU-Jordan’s 16. – Reuben Terrado, JVP, GMA News