The Sweet Escape

     It was a nail-biting finish, a crowd-pleaser I might add, as Smart Gilas Pilipinas defeated ASU Jordan, 76-74.  In a very physical game punctuated by great defense on both sides, Gilas grew up before the eyes of the almost capacity crowd as it used even-keeled play to steel themselves through questionable calls (lots of them) to victory.  With a significant win like this, there are signs to take note of on both sides of the spectrum.


The "Heart" in Sweetheart

1.  You have to give it to the old guy.  Senior statesman Asi Taulava once again provided plenty of energy for the Gilas squad, constantly banging with ASU import Jameel Watkins, inhaling rebounds and defending the paint.  It's almost as if being with the young kids of Gilas has revitalized Asi and it's serving the country well. If anyone doubts his FIlipino side, then you're not watching the game and how Asi plays.  He is as Pinoy as isaw.


2.  Give the newest 34 year old the Medal of "Valorie." Don Don Hontiveros waited until his birthday to unleash his breakout game, knocking in 6 triples and 23 points overall.  More impressive though was the fact that he came back to finish the game after his calf cramped up.  Asking to be subbed after his 5th triple, Hontiveros got his calf massaged, then came back and finished ASU off. I've always known Hontiveros was the best choice for a PBA guard reinforcement and I'm glad Coach Toroman and I were on the same wavelength.

3.  Someone get JV some "JW" Johnny Walker (Blue).  Receiving a tremendous tongue lashing from Coach Toroman for iffy decisions and botched plays, JVee Casio was a picture of a completely downtrodden man, or so I thought.  Casio did what real men do and that is step up to the challenge.  Shrugging off early game blues, Casio had a big second half, including 2 crucial short stabs and two big free throws to keep Jordan at bay.  That's our point guard right there and aren't we glad he's a toughie?


The "Plans" in Escape Plans


1.  Gilas was quite successful lobbing the ball into Japeth Aguilar in the early games, but they should ditch that idea now.  For 2 games running, that play has not turned into anything for Gilas.  Either teams have wisened up to it or Gilas is running it too much. They need to be more selective in running the play.  Besides, it still holds that the only lob passes Aguilar have been able to dunk have been from Chris Tiu.


2.  I almost failed Math in high school but I counted 15 "in and out" shots for Gilas in this game.  Gilas needs to keep confident and keep shooting. All those shots were good shots, taken in the rhythm of the plays.  Those will fall sooner or later.

3.  The "Boo" treatment still works.  Apart from two lucky, desperation threes, Osama Dahgles did nothing of consequence once the crowd started booing him relentlessly.  Perhaps plans should be made to start the "Boo" treatment on Samaki Walker.


The Champions' Cup takes a break on Thursday and Quarterfinals matches are all scheduled on Friday with Smart Gilas taking on Syria at 6 pm.  There's lots of time to get tickets for Friday at SM Tickets.  Philsports Arena was packed a while ago and it would be awesome to top that on Friday. Agreed?




note: I would like to offer my apologies to FIBA-Asia.net since I have been using their photos for all my Champions' Cup entries and I have forgotten to credit them.