Game Photos. Game Details and Stats

TOKYO, Japan (4th FIBA Asia Cup): A basketball game between the two National Teams of Lebanon and Philippines has, in the recent past, always been one of the most attractive draws in this part of the world. The passionate contest between these two teams has, more often than not, matched the passionate support of their respective fans. Saturday’s Group A Prelim Round clash, which Philippines won 78-68 at the 4th FIBA Asia Cup was no different.

When two such teams of evenly matched rhythm and equally balanced coordination, again more often than not, it is the small details that go a long way in tilting the scales in a team’s favor. Again, Saturday was no different.

Marcus Douthit and Fadi El Khatib were involved in a veritable contest of all-round basketball abilities on either end of the floor, but the former obviously had more support from his teammates.

Douthit had figures of 25 points, 21 rebounds, an assists and a block; El Khatib responded with 24 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists and a block, but the story of the game revolved more around the support cast.

Where Douthit’s efforts bore fruit was in four of his teammates scoring in the double-digits, while El Khatib had only the naturalized Garnett Thompson for support, with Rodrigue barely making the cut.

Philippines coach Chot Reyes put things in perspective more for himself and his team.

“We learnt from our mistakes last night,” Reyes said.

“We were constantly reminding ourselves throughout the night, especially in the last few moments about last night. I think that kept us in good stead.”

FIBA Asia