Gilas Pilipinas holds off Qatar in 2nd round of FIBA Asia

MANILA, Philippines — Smart Gilas Pilipinas picked up where it left off as it fashioned out an 80-70 win over erstwhile unbeaten Qatar in the second round of the 27th FIBA Asia men’s Championship Tuesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Nationals, coming off a masterful 90-71 rout of Japan Monday night, led by as much as 23, 57-34, on a drive by Jayson Castro and still held a commanding 63-44 advantage with only a quarter left but had to stave off a late surge by Qatar, who got to within seven with still close to a minute remaining.

Marcus Douthit led the Philippines with 19 points and 14 rebounds.