Philippines were caught on surprise at the beginning of the first half having outscored by the United Arab Emirates. Smart Gilas was scoreless for more than 3 minutes in the opening quarter not until Marnel Baracael started out for Gilas resurgence and secured a win with a 40-point deficit at 92-52.
A 5-0 start made by the United Arab Emirates for the more favored Filipinos caught the hundreds of Filipino fans on surprised after a slow start and lots of turn-over. One of the factors that affects the Filipinos was the news of no-inclusion to the roster of the two Filipinos namely Lutz and L(–foul word(s) removed–)iter after they were not allowed by FIBA to play which left Smart Gilas with 10-man squad.
Smart Gilas mainstays Lutz and L(–foul word(s) removed–)iter were under protest by the Lebanese National Team for eligibility to play although the two Filipino-American players were mainstays since the formation of the team three years ago.
Despite the loss of its two regulars and playing with only 10 man on its team, Smart Gilas were still able to do its game plan and play with full potential.
Marnel Baracael topscoring for Smart Gilas with 15 points, Asi Taulava and Marcus Douthit score with 13 points apiece. Injured JV Casio had ended the speculations about his injury status by adding 11 points for the teams dominance over the United Arab Emirates.
Newcomer and veteran PBA players Kelly Williams put up a gallant stand inside the paint and proved that his inclusion a big boost for the Philippine teams inside presence. Jimmy Alapag one of the most recognized member of the Philippine Team had also a good showing with 6 points and 6 (–foul word(s) removed–)ists.
Top scoring for the United Arab Emirates were Hussaen Ahmed with 12 points and Ali Alhattawi with 11 points. UAE coach admitted that they were indeed playing against one of the best teams in Asia referring to the Philippines on their first game of the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship.
Philippine Team Smart Gilas will set to go up against the mighty Chinese basketball team today as the tournament moved on the second day of the competition. China had defeated earlier the lowly Bahraini Team for their first encounter of the tournament. Smart Gilas vs. China game will be held at around 8:00 PM Philiippine Time and will be shown live here via live streaming.