Smart Gilas books first semis’ slot in Commissioner’s Cup

MANILA, Philippines — Smart Gilas Pilipinas booked the first semifinals slot after fending off a furious fightback by Ginebra, 111-104, Wednesday in the 2011 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Marcus Douthit, who missed the Nationals’ last game with a sprained ankle, came back in his usual form with 30 points and 17 rebounds.

The Nationals led by as much as 19, 79-60, in the third quarter before Ginebra gained steam and trimmed the deficit to five, 84-89 midway through the fourth.

But the Nationals, sans its skipper Chris Tiu, held its own and was able to restore order down the stretch en route to the grind-it-out victory.

Import Nate Brumfield and heady point guards Willie Miller and Mark Caguioa had 21 points apiece for the Gin Kings, who dropped to 5-3.