Smart Gilas Ripped Malaysians 86-68

Chris Tiu unloaded eight of his 14 points in the third quarter and led four other Smart Gilas players in double figures as Nationals notched their third in four games to move a game away from securing a semifinal slot.

Smart Gilas won over the Malaysians, 86-68, and will be facing the unbeaten Koreans in their next with a victory providing the Nationals a sure spot in the final four come Saturday.

Seven-point-four seconds left in the third, Asi Taulava of PH team was thrown out with Malaysian center Yoong Jing Kwaan. The malaysian grabbed Taulava's crotch, sending Asi sprawling on the floor.

Taulava got up, chased Kwaan and threw vicious punches, one landing on the cheeks of Kwaan, before the referees intervend and ejected both players.

"I would have never reacted that way. But it was like a punch and it was the worst feeling," said Asi.

JV Casio and Marcus Douthit spent the entire game cheering their teammates from the bench.

"Korea is a tough game for us and this the reason why we rested some of our players," said PH coach Rajko Toroman.

PH vs Korea, August 10, Wednesday.