Qatar survives Gilas, stays perfect in Stankovic Cup

Targuy Ngombo proved to be too much for the Filipinos to handle and powered Qatar to a 66-61 triumph over Smart-Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup at the Ghazir Sporting Club in Beirut Tuesday (Wednesday morning in Manila). Ngombo, who averaged 31.5 points in his team’s first two victories, came away with 29 points to lead all scorers and spearheaded Qatar’s assault against the Filipinos. The explosive, 6-foot-6 Ngombo, also added nine rebounds. Ngombo lighted things up as early as the first period when his nine points triggered a 14-0 assault that pushed Qatar ahead, 21-6. “We got our rhythm early. We needed that against this team, which relies mostly on speed," said Fakhroo. “Look how they scared us as the game progressed," he added. The national team aspirants, who are also being supported by GMA PinoyTV, fought their way back into the game behind Marcio Lassiter and Chris Tiu, who scored 11 points apiece. But Qatar was ready to quell the rally and handed the Filipinos their second setback in four matches. Qatar posted its third straight win in as many games to lead Group B alongside Lebanon. The Philippines, however, will move into the quarterfinal round, which begins Thursday (Friday in Manila). - RCJ, GMANews.TV