The Philippines banked on a stellar running game and zoomed to an impressive 88-80 win over Qatar yesterday for its third straight victory in the 29th William Jones Cup in Taipei.

On the day when Jordan wrested the crown for the first time, the Filipinos survived the ejection of coach Chot Reyes as they ran roughshod on a much-taller Qatar quintet to improve to 4-3 at the Hsin-Chuang Gym in Taiwan. The Nationals played like a well-oiled machine, seizing control at the end of the opening period, 28-10, and went through some anxious moments in the second half, before carving out the victory.

Jordan, which defeated the Philippines, 74-70, Friday, formally dethroned the United States, after a tight 72-71 win over Iran yesterday.

"This win by Jordan installs them as a favorite in Group A in the FIBA-Asia Men's championship in Tokushima, Japan," Reyes said in a statement issued Monday afternoon.

Joining Jordan and the Philippines in Group A are Iran and China.

Reyes expressed confidence that his team can survive the group stage of the Olympic qualifiers, although he has yet to finalize his line-up.

"I am confident that we will beat Jordan in Japan. I know we can beat them," Reyes said.

"If there is something that we have learned in the Jones Cup, something we can bring back home and take with us to Japan, it is the notion that we can beat Jordan and Iran in our group," he added.

China is expected to field its Team B in Tokushima and the Philippines will get a feel of its style when the Chinese see action in the Manila Invitational Tournament which starts July 12 at the Arena in San Juan.

Against Qatar, the 2006 Asian Games silver medalist, the Filipinos used a sleek running game anchored by Jimmy Alapag, JJ Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa, who led all Filipino scorers with 14 points, all in the opening period.

It was Caguioa's turbo-charged display in the opening period that allowed the Filipinos to take command, although, as in their previous games against Lebanon and Japan, they allowed the Qataris to inch their way back into the game in the second half.

Leading 47-28 at the half, the Nationals surrendered a 13-0 run to Qatar, before Alapag and Gabe Norwood restored order for 59-49 cushion.

Reyes, furious because of a dubious foul slapped against his team, was meted two technical fouls late in the third quarter and was subsequently ejected with the Philippines ahead, 62-50.

Qatar, however, missed four of the six foul shots, giving the Philippines more breathing room entering the final quarter. Back-to-back treys by Hontiveros made it 79-65 and the Filipinos held on, despite Qatar's inside game that trimmed the deficit to six points at the end.

Hontiveros finished with 13 points, matching the output of Kelly Williams. Alapag chipped in 11, Asi Taulava contributed 10 and Helterbrand came up with 9. Norwood, Kerby Raymundo, Mick Penissi and James Yap combined for 18 markers.

Reyes rested gunner Ren-Ren Ritualo, Ranidel De Ocampo and KG Canaleta. The Nationals are playing without Danny Seigle and Tony Dela Cruz, who are sidelined due to injuries.*CPT

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