FIBA-Asia: Jonson, Kazakhstan slip by Bahrain in overtime

Anton Ponomarev of Kazakhstan battles for the rebound against Subah Azzam of Bahrain during the FIBA Asia Championship held Friday night at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in manila. Photo by NUKI SABIO/PBA IMAGE

MANILA, Philippines—Naturalized guard Jerri Jonson flirted with a triple-double as Kazakhstan scraped past Bahrain, 79-76, in overtime in Group D play in the 27th FIBA-Asia Championship Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Jonson scattered 18 points, seven rebounds and eight assists while Rustam Yargaliyev scored 19 points to help Kazakhstan to go 2-0 after beating Thailand Thursday night.

Bahrain played in its second straight overtime game after nipping India in its first outing.

Former De La Salle Green Archer Bader Malabes and Ahmed Ismael shot 14 points each for Bahrain, which also drew a solid effort from ex-Gilas member CJ Giles.

Giles notched his second double-double in a row following a 12-point, 12-rebound game on top of two blocks in a losing cause.