In a game that should have been a measure of how Gilas Pilipinas fares against a real Asian powerhouse, the Nationals faltered and stumbled to a lopsided defeat against Lebanon, 75-54, in the 2nd Doha International Cup at the Qatar University Sports Complex, late Saturday, Feb. 15 (Manila time).

After keeping in step with the Cedars through the first three quarters – even taking the lead at some point – Gilas seemingly lost steam in the fourth quarter, only scoring a measly six points as the world No. 29 Lebanese crew pulled away for good.

A flat start in the payoff period spelled doom for the Filipinos as they simply found no answer to a blistering 14-0 run from Lebanon to turn a tight 51-50 contest into a huge 65-50 advantage.

It was a run that Gilas never recovered as the double-double effort of Justin Brownlee, who finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds, went down the drain. 

Support was likewise lacking as Calvin Oftana was the only other double-digit scorer with 10 points, while Scottie Thompson finished with seven points and 11 rebounds.

For the side of Lebanon, Gerard Hadidian had eight of his team-high 18 points in the final frame as he presided over the 26-point explosion for the Cedars to end the game.

Jad Khalil also had 18 points while Karim Zeinoun and Ater James Madok had 13 and 12 points, respectively.

Gilas absorbed its first defeat in the pocket tournament which served as a springboard for the Nationals' two road games in the third and final window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in Taiwan and New Zealand.

The Nationals opened the tournament with a 74-71 win over Qatar before the loss against Lebanon. The Cedars, on the other hand, dropped an 82-70 defeat to Egypt in their first game before picking up the breakthrough win against Gilas.

 Gilas wraps up the pocket tournament against the Pharaohs early Monday morning, Feb. 17 (Manila time).