Boos from the MOA Crowd for Chot Reyes did not faze Gilas Pilipinas as they rout Saudi Arabia to a 84-46 blowout game to improve their momentum towards next year’s World Cup
Gilas Pilipinas fed by the home crowd’s energy pulled off a huge win over Saudi Arabia , 84-46, in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Monday at the MOA Arena.
The host team did not disappoint the 19,829 strong crowd that came to witness Gilas get back in the winning column in the World Cup Qualifiers, led by the reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson with show-stopping dunks, long-range triples and emphatic blocks.
Clarkson came on top with team-high 23 points with 6 assists, and 5 rebounds in his first home game with the national team.
“It is different playing at home, in front of your own people, and this arena is beautiful. I cannot wait to come back here again and play some more games,” the naturalized Gilas player said.
“[This is] big. Us as a team, just getting together the last couple of weeks and me coming in just five times getting ready quick and just getting ready for the World Cup next year,” Clarkson then added and assured his commitment to the program till 2023.
Local players also contributed in the huge win as Kai Sotto chipped in 16 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks, while Dwight Ramos had 9 points and 6 rebounds for their bounce back win.
Meanwhile, Japeth Aguilar and Kiefer Ravena dropped 8 points apiece for the Filipinos, while Ray Parks and Calvin Oftana added 6 points to improve their record to 3-3.
Ramos then addressed the fans, appreciating their warm welcome for the team but pleaded to stop the disrespect as criticism for their head coach Chot Reyes was at full display as echoes of booing drowned the arena when the mentor’s name was introduced.
“Thank you for coming out and supporting, but if you’re going to support us, I’ll appreciate you guys not booing our coach,” Ramos said.
“If you’re going to support us, support all of us because we’re all in one team.”
Tags: #basketball, #FIBA, #Gilas