Philippines' three-point barrage buries Qatar in sold out Al-Gharafa

Doha (Qatar) - In front of more than 3,600 fans, the Philippines blew out Qatar, 84-46, thanks to a torrid three-point barrage.

The Philippines sank a total of 15 three-pointers against the Qataris, putting up an incredible shooting clinic as their fans filled up the stands of the Al-Gharafa Sports Hall and made the Asian Qualifiers road game feel like a home stand instead.

The victory improved the Philippines' standing to 6 wins against 5 losses and pushed them closer to FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 qualification while also delaying the qualification of two other Group F squads - Iran and Japan.

It was a nip-tuck affair in the early goings, with the Philippines holding on to a 10-point half-time lead, but they broke the game open in the third period, outscoring t Al Annabi, 31-9, to erect a commanding 32-point lead heading into the final frame.

Head coach Yeng Guiao witnessed a balanced scoring attack from his wards, with Andray Blatche's 17 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists leading the way. Marcio Lassiter, meanwhile, was an immaculate 4-of-4 from beyond the arc to finish with 14 points, while Paul Lee added 13 points and 7 boards.

 
The hosts could hardly get anything going throughout match and once the Filipinos' lead ballooned, the Qataris wind was taken out of their sails. Only Erfan Ali Saeed scored in double-figures with 10 points for Qatar, which remain winless in the second round of the Asian Qualifiers.

Next up for the Qataris are Japan, who are coming off a rousing win over Iran, while the Philippines travel to Astana to finish their Asian Qualifiers campaign against fifth window tormentors Kazakhstan. Both games will be played on 24 February. A win for the Philippines will strengthen their chances of qualifying to the World Cup and give them a chance to finish among the top three teams of Group F.

FIBA