With Clarkson out, Gilas  loses to Mexico

By Robert Andaya

Filipino-American Jordan Clarkson took a much-needed rest after two hard-fought games against Ivory Coast  and Montenegro in their closed-door tune-up games before the  FIBA  Basketball World Cup 2023. 

Reigning PBA MVP Scottie Thompson  took the opportunity to shine against Mexico.

Thompson, who is still  trying to regain his playing shape  following  an injury, made  his presence felt with 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting.

The  popular Barangay Ginebra superstar also added   six rebounds, and five assists in 23 minutes of action.

But  even Thompson’s  impressive numbers were not enough against the  more-experienced Mexicans.

Overall, the Chot Reyes-mentored  Gilas Pilipinas  finished their World Cup buildup with a 7-6 card win-loss record..

As  per the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the Filipinos compiled a 3-3 slate in their European trip where they battled  Finland, Estonia, Ukraine, and Lithuania.

The team also posted a 3-1 record against Senegal and Iran in a pocket tournament in China before going 1-2 in its closed-door matches against Ivory Coast, Montenegro and Mexico.

Despite Clarkson’s absence, Gilas Pilipinas made the closed-door match competitive, largely thanks to the performance of  Thompson.

Dwight Ramos and RR Pogoy provided support for Thompson with nine points each. Ramos also managed three rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. 

However, no other member of Gilas Pilipinas reached double figures in scoring.

NBA  aspirant  Kai Sotto and Jamie Malonzo each tallied eight points, Kiefer Ravena chipped in with seven points, anf  six-time

PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo contributed six points and six rebounds.

Pako Cruz led Mexico with 18 points, including a pivotal three-pointer that extended Mexico’ s lead to 84-75 with 1:38 remaining. Paul Stoll added 17 points, Fabian Jaimes contributed 15 points, and Josh Ibarra secured 12 points for Mexico.

Actually, the game saw 10 deadlocks and eight lead changes, with Mexico ultimately displaying superior firepower in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.

Mexico excelled from beyond the arc, shooting 13-of-24 (54%) from  three-point territory, whereas the Philippines managed  only 7-of-23 from the same area.

Gilas Pilipinas is set to kick off  its Group A campaign against

Dominican Republic, featuring the three-time NBA All-Star Karl

Anthony-Towns, on August 25 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue,

Bulacan.

The Filipinos will also play Angola and Italy.

Meanwhile, Mexico, placed in Group D, is scheduled to face Montenegro at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on the same Friday.

The scores

Mexico  (84)  –  Cruz 18, Stoll 17, Jaimes 15, Ibarra 12, Borilla 6, Giron 6,  I. Gutierrez 4, Andriasi 3, Camacho 3, J. Gutierrez 0,

Arrigo 0.

Philippines  (77) –  Thompson 14, Ramos 9, Pogoy 9, Malonzo 8, Sotto 8, K. Ravena 7, Newsome 6, Fajardo 6, Perez 4, Edu 3, Aguilar 3, Abando 0.

Quarterscores: 31-27, 51-51, 69-63, 84-77.