Gilas stun 2-time champs Iran in Jones Cup opener

Pilipinas-Smart Gilas took it as a challenge when they found out, at the last minute, that defending champion Iran will be their opening day opponent in the 33rd R. William Jones Cup. The Philippines' long-sought revenge against the Hamed Haddadi-led Iranians took place Saturday night at the Hsinjhuang Stadium in Chinese Taipei. Gilas relied on Marcus Douthit's inside game while guards Marc Barroca and JV Casio hit their outside shots for an impressive 73-59 win over two-time Jones Cup titlist Iran at the start of the annual meet held in honor of the late FIBA secretary general William Jones. The Nationals found themselves suddenly paired off with the defending champions following South Africa's last-minute withdrawal that was only announced by organizers late Friday, resulting in the massive mix-up of the entire schedule and format of the meet. Jordan was supposed to be Gilas' original opening day opponent. The sudden change of schedule never became a problem for Gilas as Douthit powered his way for 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Barroca and Casio made 13 and 11 each in the win that somehow erased the stigma of the Nationals' past losses to the Iranians, the most recent of which came in the FIBA-Asia Champions Cup semifinals. “We know we are good, our defense was great. We have to be very satisfied," said Gilas coach Rajko Toroman. “We proved that we can play against the best in Asia." Haddadi, Iran’s towering 7-foot-2 center who plays for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA, scored a game-high 25 points. He found his match with Douthit at the post. “Marcus played very good defense and he made a lot of good things. But this is only the beginning… eight more games," added Toroman, whose team will face the host on Sunday. Iran missed the services of two key players in Samad Nikkah Bahrami and Hamed Afagh (knee injury). Bahrami, however, is expected to arrive in the Taipei capital within the week. Douthit scattered nine points in a huge third quarter run, turning a 37-30 halftime lead to 54-38 entering the fourth. The Nationals held the Iranians to just eight points during that stretch. A Barroca jumper gave Gilas a 56-39 spread, their biggest in the game, with 8:24 to play. The Iranians moved within eight, 62-54, at the four-minute mark. Casio's two free throws plus a basket each by Douthit and team captain Chris Tiu pushed the lead back to 14, 68-54, with two minutes and 51 seconds left in the match. Although adjustments were made, Toroman admitted the change in the Nationals’ timetable will definitely have a great effect on the rotation and physical conditioning of the team. “Because of the format and because of the schedule, I’ll be forced to use key players including (naturalized player) Douthit, and that’s not good for the team. There’s a risk of having injuries," Toroman said. Instead of having the benefit of a one-day break Monday, Gilas will now have to play six straight days until the final day of the eliminations on August 12. Under the new format, all teams will play a single round elimination, with the top four teams advancing to the crossover semifinals. The two best teams to emerge from the semis will then dispute the title on Sunday. After Iran, the Nationals play the host Sunday, followed by Jordan (Monday), Malaysia (Tuesday), South Korea (Wednesday), United Arab Emirates (Thursday) and Japan (Friday). “It’s going to be tougher playing nine straight games," said Toroman, counting the games in the semis, and possibly, the finals. — JVP, GMA News