Clarkson goes nova as Gilas dominates China for World Cup exit win
For now, Gilas Pilipinas can claim that it is still by far the better Asian squad over China. Jordan Clarkson went supernova in the third quarter, scoring 24 of his tournament-best 34 points as the Philippines ended its FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 slump in style, dominating its continental rival, 96-75 on Saturday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Utah Jazz star strung together four straight triples as part of a telling 34-11 third period for the nationals that broke the game wide open to their favor.
Gilas led 73-51 entering the final frame and maintained the huge separation until the final buzzer to end its campaign with a 1-4 record. Clarkson shot an efficient 11-of-18 from the floor, making all five of his treys in the penultimate quarter.
Rhenz Abando also had an impactful game on both ends of the floor, finishing with 14 points, five rebounds, a steal, and a block.
Kai Sotto played his best game of the World Cup with 12 points on 5-for-9 shooting and six boards, while birthday celebrant Dwight Ramos capped a solid stint with 11 points, five boards, four assists, two steals, and a block.
The Philippines dominated the rebounding department, 46-31 and shot 49 percent from the field overall, while also limiting China to 23 percent from three-point range.
China ended up with a 1-4 record as well, only being able to beat Angola in spite of the presence of Li Kaier (Kyle Anderson).
Not helping the Dragons’ bid to win their last match was the untimely injury of Zhou Qi right in the opening quarter. Li led the Chinese with 17 points, nine boards, and five dimes, while Zhang Zhenlin contributed 13 markers.
The 1-4 finish for head coach Chot Reyes was reminiscent of Gilas’ 2014 stint, where the Philippines overcame heartbreaking results before winning its last game in Seville, Spain over Senegal.
Box scores:
Gilas Pilipinas (96) – Clarkson 34, Abando 14, Ramos 11, Fajardo 9, Pogoy 7, Edu 5, Thompson 4, Aguilar 0,
China (75) – Li 17, Zhang 13, Zhao R. 12, Hu M. 12, Hu J. 10, Zhu 5, Cui 2, Fu 2, Zhou 2, Zhao J. 0.Quarter scores: 16-16, 39-40, 73-51, 96-75.
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