Gilas bows to Jordan in tune-up

Zaid Abbas turned back time to lead Jordan. Nikki Collantes

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG--Gilas Pilipinas put up a gallant fight but still fell short to Jordan, 98-92, in the first of a two-game friendly series at the Meralco Gym on Monday night.

The visiting Jordanians blazed past Gilas late in the fourth quarter before holding off the host squad down the stretch.

Jordan actually threatened to pull away early on, opening a 25-13 lead late in the first quarter.

But with Coach Yeng Guiao putting in a lineup made up of San Miguel stars Junemar Fajardo, Marcio Lassiter, Arwind Santos, and Chris Standhardinger, Gilas crawled back and even took control for most of the second quarter.

Jordan came back at the end of the period and entered halftime ahead again, 46-44.

Despite Jordan maintaining order, the game remained tight for most of the second half before the team pulled away within the final three minutes to claim the victory.

Zaid Abbas showed that he still has something left in his tank at age 34, dropping 24 points to lead Jordan.

Mousa Al-Awadi chipped in 18 markers, while Amin Abu Hawwas added 16 points.

New naturalized player Justin Dentmon contributed 11 points in the win.

Standhardinger made 21 markers for Gilas, which will face Jordan again on Wednesday night.

Box Scores:

Jordan 98-Abbas 24, Al-Awadi 18, Abu Hawwas 16, Dentmon 11, Hussein 10, Obeid 8, Abuwazaneh 8, Kanaan 3, Sinan 0, Dasuqi 0, Abdeen 0, Al-Hamarsheh 0, Hasoneh 0

Philippines 92-Standhardinger 21, Lassiter 14, Castro 13, Belga 7, Rosario 7, Wright 7, Fajardo 6, Cabagnot 5, Santos 5, Rivero 4, Norwood 0

Quarterscores: 25-23, 46-44, 70-67, 98-92

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