Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Mighty Sports Philippines salvaged third place after repeating over Lebanon’s Homenetmen, 91-76, in the 30th Dubai International Basketball Championship Saturday night at Shabab Al Ahli Club gymnasium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Although the team failed to go all the way after losing in the knockout semifinals, the bronze-medal finish was enough to satisfy head coach Charles Tiu.
“Overall, I think the stint was a successful campaign,” said Tiu.
The Philippine side started the tournament at 5-0 before running into a perennial champion Al-Riyadi of Lebanon in the semis in a game where Mighty Sports nearly stole after coming back from 18 points down.
Reinforcements Justin Brownlee and Randolph Morris had been carrying much of the load for Mighty Sports throughout the tournament but in the final game, it was Jett Manuel, who led the way.
Manuel, the former Barangay Ginebra guard, scored a team-high 19 points while Morris and Brownlee added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Former Los Angeles Lakers star Lamar Odom showed flashes of his all-around game with eight points, five rebounds, two assists and a block.
“The fact that he can still play basketball, run up and down at his age, that’s already a big achievement for himself and I’m really happy for him,” said Tiu. “Just the fact that he’s been an inspiration to all of us and be part of his comeback, we wish him the best wherever he may end up. He’s been a good player with great attitude for us.”