Smart Gilas Pilipinas put a gallant stand against the taller and heftier Iranian Team which was composed mostly of Iran National players reinforced by two imports. The Philippine Team had ended their hope for a championship and suffered their first loss of the tournament. Iran wins against Smart Gilas with just a 3 point advantage, 80-77.
Mahram of Iran was the two-time depending champion of the FIBA-Asia Champions Cup but during this edition they were defeated by the Lebanese Team. With the win they will be going straight to the finals and a possible three feat finished. The Iranian managed to win the game but experienced one of their most difficult win in the tournament.
The Filipinos never say die attitude was shown during the game, although totally lack in height but the quickness and determination fueled the Filipinos to scare the visiting Iranian Team. It was only a matter of missed shots from the three-point area that sealed the win. The Filipinos were nothing to be ashamed off for they had showed the heart of a real champion during the team.
Marcus Douthit, the naturalized player of Smart Gilas showed his basketball prowess by dominating the paint and gave the Philippine team high hopes for the upcoming FIBA Asia qualifying rounds for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The game will served as a reminder to the rest of the Asian teams that the Filipinos are more than willing to retain their supremacy in Asian basketball.
JV Casio, the smallest guy on the floor and even the entire tournament had once again showed what a small guy can contribute and proved once again that height is not a big deal in basketball. The point guard which was now recognized as one of the best point guard in Asia had scored a total of 21 points while Marcus Douthit hit a game high of 25 points and 13 boards.
Smart Gilas was down by 7 points with 43 seconds remaining time for the last quarter. Crowds were already silenced during those moments and a sure loss was just way ahead but the Filipinos fought a gallant stand through the effort of Chris Tiu scoring with a lay up and followed up by a three point.
The comeback headed by Tiu ignites not only the players but the crowd as well supporting the National Team. The score was recorded at 78-75 after the free throw made by Nikkhah Bahrami. JV Casio and the Gilas team never loss hope with just 12.7 seconds remaining, Casio scored a quick two point.
After the shot by Smart Gilas they fouled the opposing team to stop the clock but both free throws sunk in giving the Iranians a three-point advantage at 80-77. With just 6.5 seconds remaining, Smart Gilas tries to equalize the game by unleashing a three-point shot made by Barroca but missed. Luckily the ball was on the hands of Marcio L(–foul word(s) removed–)iter tries also a three but missed also ending the hope for a possible championship duel.
The win by Iran will bring them once again to the Finals of the FIBA Asia Champions Cup against the team that had beaten them during the elimination round, Al Riyadi of Lebanon. Meanwhile the Philippine Team of Smart Gilas will try their luck for a bronze medal finished against last year’s runner up Al Rayyan of Qatar.
