MANILA, Feb. 16 -- Lebanon left Gilas Pilipinas gasping for air in a 75-54 rout early Sunday (PH time) in the Doha International Cup at QU Sports and Events Center in the Qatari capital.

The Lebanese, who did not field top gunners Wael Arakji and Omari Spellman for the friendly tournament, turned to their defense to beat the Filipinos.

Down 40-46 with three minutes left in the third quarter, Lebanon ended the period on an 11-2 run to take a 51-48 lead before going 24-6 in the fourth frame to pull away for good.

Overall, Lebanon limited Gilas to only 30 percent shooting, including a dismal 4-for-26 from long range while forcing 19 turnovers.

Gerard Hadidian and Jad Khalil each scored 18 points for Lebanon, which bounced back from its 7...