- Gilas had a rousing win on Day 4 against Iraq, but they had to buckle down in the 2nd half and withstand a slow start. Unlike their game against China where they waxed hot early and often, Gilas slogged through the first half before finding their rhythm in the 3rd quarter and pulling away. They certainly would not want a slow start again here against the Qataris, who may be undermanned, but still have the potential to spring an upset.
- Qatar was supposed to have the services of naturalized player Sammy Monroe, but an injury and eligibility issues prevented the former PBA import from seeing action. That is maybe the biggest reason Qatar is 0-2 entering this game. Their single best perimeter scorer and facilitator was sidelined, and they had to make do with a team composed of a hodge-podge of up-and-comers and veterans. Still, they have decent size, depth, and shooting, so Gilas must not treat this as an automatic win despite all of Qatar\'s handicaps.
GILAS PILIPINAS roster
Terrence Romeo - 5\'10 - GCarl Cruz - 6\'3 - F
Gabe Norwood - 6\'5 - F
Jio Jalalon - 5\'8 - G
Jayson Castro - 5\'10 - G
Calvin Abueva - 6\'2 - F
June Mar Fajardo - 6\'10 - C
RR Pogoy - 6\'0 - G
Raymond Almazan - 6\'7 - C
Japeth Aguilar - 6\'10 - F/C
Christian Standhardinger - 6\'8 - F/C
Matthew Wright - 6\'2 - G
Ave. Height - 6\'3
Gilas Pilipinas vs Qatar
EVENTS: 2017 FIBA ASIA CUP
Where: City, Arena: Beirut, Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex
When: Friday 11 August 2017
HIGHLIGHTS & REPLAY:Ave. Age - 28
QATAR roster
Abdulrahman Saad - 21 - 6\'1 - G - Al GharafaAhmad Al-Darwish - 27 - 6\'2 - G - Al Wakrah
Mansour El Hadary - 27 - 5\'10 - G - El Jaish
Hassan Mohamed (Mizo Amin) - 26 - 6\'3 - G - Al Rayyan
Abdularhman Al-Muftah - 22 - 5\'11 - G - Al Ahli
Erfan Ali Saeed - 33 - 6\'6 - F - El Jeish
Yehia Abdelhaleem - 21 - 6\'9 - C /F- Al Rayyan
Mohd Yousuf Mohammed - 34 - 6\'9 - C - El Jeish
Omer Salem - 33 - 6\'9 - C - Al Gharafa
Mohamed Abdelkawy - 21 - 5\'10 - G - Al Rayyan
Nasser Al-Rayes - 22 - 6\'10 - C - Cal Tech (USA)
Ave. Height - 6\'4
Ave. Age - 26
The Gilas Pilipinas survived a gallant stand by Qatar to emerge victorious, 80-74, and sweep the preliminary round of the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup.