Smart Gilas five downs Iran

The Smart Gilas Pilipinas five downed Iran All Star, 76-64, Wednesday to reach the semifinals of the 4th Asian Basketball Association Club Championship in Haining, China. The Nationals, on the final stretch of their preparation for the Guangzhou Asian Games in November, nailed their second straight win after swamping Japan BJ League champion Hamamatsu Phoenix, 88-72, the other day.

“We beat an Iran team composed of eight national team players,” said Smart Gilas team manager Frankie Lim. “Everyone contributed. Great team work.” For topping their group, the Nationals will face the second placer of the other bracket in the semifinals. From a 34-29 lead at the half, the Filipinos pulled away from the Iranians with accurate shooting and quick ball movement. The Nationals played minus Marcio Lassiter, the team’s toughest wing defender, who is recovering from a knee injury in the United States, slotman Aldrech Ramos and shooting guard JR Cawaling, who are busy with the FEU Tamaraws in the UAAP. Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Rey Guevarra and RJ Jazul earlier left the team to turn pro.