Gilas Pilipinas fails to capitalize on Lebanon’s slow start as they absorb an 85-81 loss in last night’s game, putting Jordan Clarkson’s 27-point game to naught at the Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex in Beirut
Gilas Pilipinas saw its sizzling hot start go to waste as host Lebanon proved to be more stable down the line, pulling off an 85-81 win in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Thursday (early Friday morning in Manila), at the Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex in Beirut.
The Cedars spoiled NBA star Jordan Clarkson’s Gilas debut as he exploded with 27 points—delivering 18 points in the first half— 7 assists, and 6 rebounds just to witness Lebanese star Wael Arakji make a personal 7-0 run in the dying minutes to secure the win for his country.
The reigning FIBA Asia Cup LVP finished with 24 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists to protect his home turf in front of the roaring Lebanon crowd.
Young talent Kai Sotto also had a strong showing in the Philippines’ loss with 10 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks, including a huge block on Ali Haidar with less than 30s in the game, but Arakji eventually picked up the loose ball and drained the crucial trey to beat the shot clock with 16.3s left.
Dwight Ramos also helped Gilas losing cause as he poured an all-around numbers of 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 steals, while Japeth Aguilar tallied 11 points and 6 rebounds.
Unfortunately , the Philippines’ 21 turnovers dictated the tempo of the game, showing the unfamiliarity among the recently put up national team.
“We had too many turnovers. Turnovers were really the big difference in this ball game,” said Philippine head coach Chot Reyes as his team dropped to 2-3 in Group E.
Despite the loss, Clarkson praised the bright side of the game against Lebanon as the team is just getting their rhythm together and commended some of the gunners who helped him.
“We got some good young stars on the team,” said Clarkson. “Dwight played really well as well. Kai played well.”
“I think it was all around a really good effort. We had a chance to win the game. I missed some shots towards the end of the game that I feel like I usually make. Just a tough one tonight,” Clarkson added.
Tags: #basketball, #FIBA, #Gilas