Qatar coach Tim Lewis said his team's inexperience and inconsistency is why his team blew a 17-point lead against Gilas Pilipinas in Monday's FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier game Monday.
"These [Gilas] guys are experienced so when you come out of the third [quarter], you can't get your feet off the gas, make as many turnovers and play lethargically as we did," Lewis said.
After shooting 54 percent in the first half and taking a 52-39 halftime lead, Qatar couldn't answer the Philippines' increased defensive pressure.
"We couldn't buy a basket and we started taking bad shots," Lewis said. "For a chance to beat this team, we have to be on point, but we can't do it for just two periods."
Lewis was especially frustrated by veteran forward Suliman Abdi Khalid's ejection. Khalid incurred back-to-back technical fouls that led to his automatic ejection with just over five minutes remaining.
Lewis said the contest was still within reach for Qatar with Gilas up 76-69.
Alex Cabagnot converted the four free throws from Khalid's two technical fouls, putting the game out of reach.
"He was told to shut up numerous times by the referee and told to shut up by me, and ultimately it's his decision making and the environment," Lewis said. "I think it [Khalid's ejection] affected us in winning the game. You can't have those from a senior guy, two technicals and ejection.
Lewis said Qatar will be going back to the drawing boards after dropping to 2-6 in the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers.
Before this loss to the Philippines, Qatar was also coming off a 95-43 beating at the hands of Australia last week.