By: AC Bautista
Gilas Pilipinas bid farewell to the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. The Philippines ended the group phase with three losses, capped by their loss to Italy on Tuesday, 90-83, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Some Photos are taken from ABS-CBN Sports (news.abs-cbn.com)
During the first quarter, Gilas stood their ground as they had a lead of three points. However, in the second quarter, Italy was not fazed and outscored the Philippines, 28-16. With all efforts and fighting spirit, the Philippines tried to build momentum to catch up to Italy; but Italy only kept Gilas’ second-round ticket at arm’s reach.
The Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson led Gilas with 23 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Regardless of its winless slate in the Group A campaign, Jordan Clarkson is now focusing on the last two games of Gilas against the eliminated teams of Group B. In the post-game conference against Italy, Clarkson said, “Down the line, I think everybody really played hard and played well,” With this, Clarkson and Gilas remained motivated to bring home victory in their last two games in the classification round.
Gilas will move from Group A to Group M, facing two teams from Group B that didn’t advance to the second round. On August 31, Gilas will face South Sudan at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Their next game is against China on Sunday. China also went winless in their group campaign.
However, all Asian teams will have to step up their game against World Cup co-host Japan, after their win against Finland which gave them a headstart in the World Cup with a 1-2 slate. To earn their ticket to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the Philippines must be the highest-ranked Asian team in the World Cup.
One Sports encouraged fans to wear blue in the Gilas Pilipinas’ classification game. The tip-off is set for August 31, 8 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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