Douthit, Alapag shine as Smart Gilas scores crucial win over Japan

Marcus Douthit of the Philippines (R) is guarded by Takeuchi Kosuke of Japan during the second round match between Japan and the Philippines at the 26th Asian Basketball Championships in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on September 20, 2011. The Philippines won 83-76. AFP

MANILA, Philippines—Smart Gilas Pilipinas banked on a blistering third quarter to turn back Japan, 83-76 Tuesday in the 2011 Fiba Asia championship.

Marcus Douthit banged in 25 points and 18 rebounds while reigning PBA MVP Jimmy Alapag added 15 points for the Philippines, which boosted its bid for a second place finish at the end of the second round.

The fleet-footed Alapag, who came off the bench, scored the Philippines last six points to ice the game.

A win by Smart Gilas on Wednesday against Syria puts the Nationals in a better position to advance further in the tournament.

Philippines trailed by as much as eight in the second quarter before outscoring the hot-shooting Japanese 26-12 in the ensuing period.