Gilas Pilipinas beats PBA Selection in exhibition; Reyes displeased

Marcus Douthit vs Jay Washington during the Ceremonial toss. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/PBA Images

MANILA, Philippines—Smart Gilas Pilipinas shook off a sub-par first half as it pulled away late to beat the PBA All-Stars, 99-87, in an exhibition game Wednesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Ranidel de Ocampo scored 16 points while Gary David added 14 points to lead the Nationals, who played poorly in the first two quarters with more turnovers (13) than assists (9).

“There was no excuse for the way we played in the first half,” said a displeased PH team coach Chot Reyes. “Our point guards were terrible tonight. Jayson (Castro) and LA (Tenorio) played as if they didn’t know how to play this game.”

“If not for Jimmy (Alapag) we would have been in big trouble,” added Reyes.

Jimmy Alapag provided stability at the point off the bench with four points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals in 14 minutes.

Jayson Castro had just four points and committed five errors while LA Tenorio finished with three points, seven assists but also struggled with the ball with three turnovers.

It was just a one point game in the early part of the final quarter before the Nationals broke loose with their running game and outside shooting to lead by as much as 24, 94-70, after a layup by Gabe Norwood in transition with only 3:56 left.

Petron Blaze forward Arwind Santos paced the PBA Selection with 21 points to go along with five rebounds and two steals.