The Fiba-Asia Men's Championship in Tokushima, Japan is two weeks away but the Philippine Team seems ready for the joust that it hopes to hurdle to pave the way for the country's return to basketball in the Olympics.

Looking sharp, the Philippine team signaled its readiness for the Olympic qualifiers by repeating over Lebanon, 87-81, last night in the finals of the Manila Four-Nation Invitationals at the Araneta Coliseum. The Nationals finished strong, thanks to Mark Caguioa and Kerby Raymundo, and coach Chot Reyes said he is satisfied with the result and the form of his team.

"From March to today, the difference is like night and day for the team. But we're evolving very well," said Reyes. "We learned how to close games, we seized the opportunity. We're able to achieve that even though we're not a hundred percent because of injuries," Reyes said.

"But let's reserve the celebration for Japan," Reyes, who was able to scout China's "B" team in the Manila tournament, added.

China and the Philippines belong to the "Group of Death" along with Jordan and Iran in the Tokushima event from July 28 to August 5.

Playmaker Jimmy Alapag made up for his crucial missed free throws in the final seconds of their game against China, which won, 77-74, Friday, by scoring 23 points against Lebanon.

His consistency earned him the MVP award for the tournament that also drew the Syrian National Team, which thwarted China, 90-85, in the battle for third.

Caguioa had 19 points, 11 coming in the final period. Also making his presence felt was Kelly Williams, whose tenacity on both ends of the floor could eventually land him a spot in the RP Team for Tokushima.

Gabe Norwood finished with only 7 points but Reyes is more impressed by the Fil-American's versatility.

"The point guard spot is the position we need to dominate (in Asia ). The addition of Gabe gave us the dimension because he can play the point, shooting guard, wingman spots," said Reyes.

However, Norwoods' addition to the team for the Tokushima meet remains a question with his papers still being processed.

Danny Seigle, James Yap and JJ Helterbrand are also sidelined by various injuries and Reyes has yet to name his final line-up.

The Philippines established its biggest lead, 78-68, after another tear-drop shot by Caguioa with 2:53 left.

The Lebanese remained within striking distance when Bassem Balaa made a follow-up shot, before the Filipinos countered with a decisive 7-1 run that sealed the win. Raymundo added 10 points, while Asi Taulava had four points and 14 rebounds.

"We're almost there. This team, they've made so many sacrifices for us," said PBA Commissioner Noli Eala.

Joining Alapag in the tournament's Mythical Five Team is Williams, who added 15 points, Michael Madanly of Syria, Lebanon's Joseph Vogel and and Fahdi El Khatib. *CPT

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