Marcus Douthit . FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — With naturalized center Marcus Douthit sitting out, Smart Gilas Pilipinas fell short against National Basketball League (NBL) club Wellington, 96-100, in a tuneup game as part of their Fiba Asia build up Tuesday afternoon (Manila time) in New Zealand.
It was the Philippines’ second straight setback after losing to the NBL All-Stars last Sunday.
“Lost, 96-100. Couldn’t stop Saints imports Kareem Johnson (30pts) & Bryant Markson (32pts) w/o @DouthitMarcus (bad back). #GilasPilipinas,” tweeted Gilas head coach Chot Reyes (@coachot).
Reyes said Douthit has yet to get his form back while forward Japeth Aguilar and big man June Mar Fajardo stood out during the Nationals’ one-point defeat to the NBL Selection.
“Dropped a close one to the NBL Select squad, 86-85. @DouthitMarcus still struggled, but @japethaguilar35 & d Kraken played great.”