Kai Sotto led the Gilas Pilipinas to overpower Jordan in the fifth window of the FIBA Asian Qualifiers to improve their record to 4-3 in Group E.
Gilas Pilipinas is finally clicking as a unit as they put on a defensive showing against hosts Jordan to pull off a 74-66 victory in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers early Friday morning (Manila time) at the Prince Hamza Hall in Amman.
Holding the Jordan squad to a 22-of-59 shooting night, for a total of 37.3 percent, the lengthy and relatively young lineup of Gilas proved to be gelling well against the intimidating home crowd.
Youngster Kai Sotto made his presence felt for his return in a Pilipinas jersey as he provided the much needed inside work, together with his outside shots, that resulted in 16 points on 5-8 shooting with seven rebounds, two assists and a pair of blocks.
The 7-foot-2 center was one of the key reasons that saw the Jordanians score 10 points in the third quarter which was dominated by the Filipinos.
Reigning PBA MVP Scottie Thompson flirted with a triple-double through his usual hustle as he scored eight points, 13 boards and eight assists, both of which are team-highs.
Bobby Ray Parks Jr., of the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins in the Japan B.League, went off early in the game as she shot 11 off his 13 points in the first two frames, keeping the national team within striking distance from Jordan who had a four point lead at the halftime.
Returning members CJ Perez and Ange Kouame were just as big as the other players as Perez contributed with 11 points, three rebounds, and five assists, while the naturalized big man asserted himself on defense as the Philippines improved its record to 4-3 in Group E.
“I think number one was familiarity. This is not the first time that we have come together,” said national coach Chot Reyes after winning the game.
“Then I think it just manifested itself—the energy and the vibe.”
Meanwhile only two Jordan players stepped up their game as naturalized player Dar Tucker finished with 23 points, while big man Ahmad Al Dwairi posted an impressive double-double with 18 points and 15 boards, but was overshadowed by 10 turnovers.
Gilas will continue the fifth window on the road and is set to travel to Jeddah to face off with Saudi Arabia on Monday, November 14.
Tags: #FIBA, #Gilas, #basketball