Smart Gilas ended Iran’s winning streak with the final score at 77-75. Jeff Chan’s heroic’s free throw shooting secured the Philippines win with only a few seconds remaining in the final quarter of the game.
The Philippines were leading during the final period at around 4:37 in the fourth quarter, Gilas were leading with the score at 71-66.
The Philippines is now tied with the USA and Iran at the top of team standing with a record of 5-1 win-loss card.
Gabe Norwood contributed with 17 points and the most important shot he made was a three pointer with a minute remaining in the game.
The Smart Gilas struggled on their free throw shooting in the few remaining seconds of the game with Ranidel de Ocampo missing both free throws while Douthit and Chan missed one free throw each.
The Philippine National Basketball Team under Coach Chot Reyes will now have a chance to conquer the championship if the 34th Jones Cup will end up in a tie-breaker, the Smart Gilas will get the tie-breaker against Iran.
The Philippines’ next schedule is against the National Team of Chinese Taipei or the Team A of the host.
Here’s a video of Smart Gilas vs. Iran:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zijBK0dSA6Q
