SPORTS
Advocates Philippines
Gilas Ends FIBA World Cup Run With Win Against China
Photo credit: PBA
Gilas Pilipinas finally secured a long-awaited victory, bringing an end to their FIBA World Cup campaign on a triumphant note. The Filipino squad emerged victorious against their longtime Asian rival, China, with a resounding score of 96-75 in front of an ecstatic home crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Despite facing the heartbreak of being out of contention for the tournament, Gilas Pilipinas displayed unwavering determination and pride. Their remarkable comeback came to life during a scintillating third-quarter performance, where they unleashed a relentless offensive barrage against China.
The standout of the night was undoubtedly Jordan Clarkson, who put on a mesmerizing show. In the third quarter alone, Clarkson lit up the court with an incredible 24 points, including four consecutive three-pointers. His scorching performance not only electrified the crowd but also saved Gilas from a winless campaign at home.
Leading up to this pivotal victory, the Philippines had experienced tough losses against the Dominican Republic (87-81), Angola (80-70), Italy (90-83), and South Sudan (87-68), which secured the top African country a historic Paris Olympic ticket in the classification round. These setbacks only added to the significance of the win against China.
Clarkson, the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year from the Utah Jazz, finished the game with an astonishing 34 points, shooting 5-of-10 from beyond the arc. His performance was complemented by two rebounds, three assists, and a block in 33 minutes of play.
Gilas Pilipinas initially found themselves in a precarious position as they trailed 39-44 early in the third quarter. However, Jordan Clarkson stepped up when it mattered the most. His spectacular display of jumpers, fadeaways, and and-one plays included a personal 12-0 run—all from three-point range—in the final minute of the third quarter. This run catapulted Gilas to a commanding 73-50 lead, effectively sealing the fate of the visiting Chinese team.
Rhenz Abando also contributed significantly with 14 points, while Kai Sotto and Dwight Ramos added 12 and 11 points, respectively, further strengthening Gilas' performance.
Following the game, Jordan Clarkson expressed his appreciation for the relentless Filipino fans, dedicating the win to them. He remarked, "It's all love. I appreciate the support. They came out every game. They just packed the house. We feel the love always."
This victory not only concluded Gilas Pilipinas' FIBA World Cup campaign on a high note but also bolstered their prospects of earning a spot in the Paris Olympic Qualifying Tournament. While they didn't secure an outright seat, Japan's success as the top Asian team in the tournament opened doors for Gilas to continue pursuing their Olympic dream.
China, led by Li Kaier (also known as Kyle Anderson from the Minnesota Timberwolves), finished with an identical 1-4 record but with a significantly larger point differential.
Despite facing the heartbreak of being out of contention for the tournament, Gilas Pilipinas displayed unwavering determination and pride. Their remarkable comeback came to life during a scintillating third-quarter performance, where they unleashed a relentless offensive barrage against China.
The standout of the night was undoubtedly Jordan Clarkson, who put on a mesmerizing show. In the third quarter alone, Clarkson lit up the court with an incredible 24 points, including four consecutive three-pointers. His scorching performance not only electrified the crowd but also saved Gilas from a winless campaign at home.
Leading up to this pivotal victory, the Philippines had experienced tough losses against the Dominican Republic (87-81), Angola (80-70), Italy (90-83), and South Sudan (87-68), which secured the top African country a historic Paris Olympic ticket in the classification round. These setbacks only added to the significance of the win against China.
Clarkson, the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year from the Utah Jazz, finished the game with an astonishing 34 points, shooting 5-of-10 from beyond the arc. His performance was complemented by two rebounds, three assists, and a block in 33 minutes of play.
Gilas Pilipinas initially found themselves in a precarious position as they trailed 39-44 early in the third quarter. However, Jordan Clarkson stepped up when it mattered the most. His spectacular display of jumpers, fadeaways, and and-one plays included a personal 12-0 run—all from three-point range—in the final minute of the third quarter. This run catapulted Gilas to a commanding 73-50 lead, effectively sealing the fate of the visiting Chinese team.
Rhenz Abando also contributed significantly with 14 points, while Kai Sotto and Dwight Ramos added 12 and 11 points, respectively, further strengthening Gilas' performance.
Following the game, Jordan Clarkson expressed his appreciation for the relentless Filipino fans, dedicating the win to them. He remarked, "It's all love. I appreciate the support. They came out every game. They just packed the house. We feel the love always."
This victory not only concluded Gilas Pilipinas' FIBA World Cup campaign on a high note but also bolstered their prospects of earning a spot in the Paris Olympic Qualifying Tournament. While they didn't secure an outright seat, Japan's success as the top Asian team in the tournament opened doors for Gilas to continue pursuing their Olympic dream.
China, led by Li Kaier (also known as Kyle Anderson from the Minnesota Timberwolves), finished with an identical 1-4 record but with a significantly larger point differential.
Sep 3, 2023
