June Mar Fajardo (C) of the Philippines jumps for the ball against Qatar during their men’s quarterfinal basketball match of the 2014 Incheon Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea on September 26, 2014. AFP
MANILA, Philippines – It looks like a tough journey for the Philippines as it lost its first quarterfinals match against Qatar, 77-68, at the basketball tournament of the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea Friday evening.
Qatar relied on a 17-0 run in the third quarter to put the boards at 51-39 to level the Philippines.
Jimmy Alapag, the unquestioned leader, tried to give Gilas a push with three straight triples in the fourth to put the boards at 56-51 in the third period.
Qatar, however, won’t let go, building a nine-point lead with less than five minutes remaining in the fourth, 68-59.
Alapag led the Philippines with 15 points, all of which came from deep.
Marcys Douthit added 10 points and five boards while Jeff Chan delivered seven points.
Mohd Mohammed had 19 points, eight rebounds and five steals for Qatar which now has to win one more match to secure a semifinals berth.
Boney Watson had 15 points with Daoud Musa adding 11.
To book a semifinals berth, the Philippines has to win its next two games against South Korea and Kazakhstan.
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