Ahmet Duverioglu came close to a triple-double to help Jordan knock Gilas out of the King Abdullah Cup. FIBA (file photo) |
MANILA—Jordan A once again prevailed over Gilas Pilipinas in the King Abdullah Cup but with much playoff bearing this time as the 84-74 win early Sunday (Philippine Time) at the Prince Hamzah Sports Hall in Amman brought Jordan A to the final.
A day after winning in their semifinal preview, Jordan A officially knocked Gilas out of championship contention after holding off a late comeback bid.
Jordan A seemed to have made sure that it can avert a Gilas second quarter attack right at the opening period after opening a 28-15 lead.
Gilas slowly fought back and was within five, 74-79, with 34 seconds left, but two free throws from Amin Abu Hawwas virtually sealed the deal for Jordan even as a five-second inbound violation spelled doom for Gilas.
Ahmet Duverioglu and Cameron Forte each scored 19 points for Jordan A, which will face Egypt, 80-71 winner over Tunisia in the first semifinal, for the King Abdullah Cup gold early Monday (Philippine Time).
Duverioglu, known locally in Jordan as Ahmad Al-Dwairi, also had 16 rebounds for a double-double and even threatened to go for a triple-double with seven assists.
Ange Kouame collected 20 markers on 8-of-13 shooting, six boards, two dimes, and one block for Gilas, which will face Tunisia later Sunday for the bronze.
The scores
JORDAN-A 84 – Duverioglu 19, Forte 19, Ibrahim 17, Abu Hawwas 14, Bzai 9, Al Hamarsheh 3, Abbas 3, Abdeen 0, Hussein 0
PHILIPPINES 74 – Kouame 20, Heading 9, Ravena 8, Ildefonso 8, Ramos 6, Belangel 6, Tamayo 6, Baltazar 5, Go 4, Matt Nieto 2, Suerte 0, Chiu 0
Quarterscores: 28-15, 44-34, 63-56, 84-74
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