The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Robert Andaya
BOCAUE, Bulacan – Gilas Pilipinas did its best but still fell short against Dominican Republic, 81-87, in opening-day action in the FIBA World Cup 2023 at the Philippine Arena on Friday night
With a record-breaking crowd of 38,115 – including President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. himself – watching them, the Filipinos battled their higher-rated and more-experienced opponents led by three-time NBA All Star Karl-Anthony Towns on even terms throughout the exciting contest.
The Jordan Clarkson-led Filipinos even held the leads several times in the game and came close to orchestrating a monumental upset against one of the world’s best basketball-playing nations
The turning point came when Clarkson was whistled for an offensive foul against Victor Liz as he went for the basket with still 3:21 left.
With Clarkson, a former NBA “Sixth Man of the Year” awardee, fouling out, the game quickly turned into the Dominican Republic’s favor.
After a split by Filipino center AJ Edu made it 79-81, the Dominicans buckled down to work.
Liz nailed a basket, Lester Quinones added a free throw and Jean Montero completed a layup as Dominican Republic finally took control.
Before exiting the game due to fouls, Clarkson shone brightest for the Filipino side. The 6-5 guard from the Utah Jazz finished with 28 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists as he demonstrated his all-around talent.
Clarkson’s finest moment came in the second quarter when he netted 14 points to keep the Filipinos in the thick of the fight.
Six-time PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo contributed 16 points and seven rebounds in 29 minutes of action.
Dwight Ramos also made his presence felt with 13 points and six rebounds. But NBA hopeful Kai Sotto’s participation was limited to just over a minute due to two early fouls in the opening quarter.
Towns, known as the “Tower of Power” for the Dominican Republic, led the charge with an impressive double-double performance of 26 points and 10 rebounds.
The 7-0 forward-center from the Minnesota Timberwolves was also instrumental in Dominican Republic’s late push as he made two crucial free throws and a hook shot after Clarkson’s departure.
Liz also made a significant contribution with 18 points and six rebounds.
Despite the defeat, the Philippines takes pride in achieving a new FIBA record for the highest gate attendance in a World Cup game.
A remarkable 38,115 fans filled the arena, surpassing the previous record of 32,616 established during the 1994 FIBA World Cup finals between the United States and Russia in Canada.
Elsewhere;
– Australia flaunted its might against Finland 98-72, while Germany displayed its tremendous firepower against host nation Japan, 81-63 victory in Okinawa
– Montenegro asserted its dominance with a commanding 91-71 win against Mexico, and Lithuania showcased its strength with a 93-67 win against Egypt at the Mall of Asia Arena.
– Latvia exhibited its superiority over Lebanon with a resounding 109-70 victory, while Canada demonstrated its prowess with a convincing 95-66 win over France at the Jakarta Arena in Indonesia.