IN FRONT of a record-breaking home crowd of 38,115 fans, Gilas Pilipinas’ furious upset bid against the Dominican Republic was denied in an 81-87 loss. The hosts’ 2023 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Basketball World Cup debut was the tail-end of a Group A opening day double-header at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
After tonight’s outcomes, Gilas and Angola share Group A’s fourth spot with 0-1 records, while victors Dominican Republic and Italy both move to 1-0.
Despite fouling out in the fourth frame, former National Basketball Association (NBA) Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson spearheaded Gilas’ night with 28 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds. June Mar Fajardo and Dwight Ramos were the only remaining Philippine players in double figures, scoring 16 and 13 points, respectively.
At the beginning of their 2023 World Cup campaign, Gilas played against the Dominicans with stifling defensive pressure and a well-balanced offensive flow in the opening quarter. The Philippines jumped ahead to a 9-6 lead in credit to reliable three-level scoring and AJ Edu’s frontcourt presence against the aggressive Dominican offense.
The heavily favored Dominicans weathered Gilas’ surge by leaning on three-time NBA All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns, who repeatedly bulldozed his way into the paint for point-blank opportunities. Gilas heavily struggled with turnovers in the quarter, but their adversary’s inability to convert perimeter jumpers and layups amounted to a tiny 18-22 hole for the Filipinos after 10 minutes of play.
Playing from behind, Kiefer Ravena and Clarkson sparked the Philippines’ 9-2 run with their two-way play, with Clarkson’s dime to June Mar Fajardo in the dunker’s spot shifting the game in favor of Gilas, 29-27. After an inefficient first quarter for Gilas, the Jazz combo guard erupted for 17 points in a quarter that saw both team’s defenses ramping up.
Despite foul trouble, Edu boasted his lockdown ability, containing the offensively skilled Towns in multiple sequences. Victor Liz and Angel Delgado shouldered the Dominican Republic’s scoring workload deep through the half that ended in a 42-all stalemate.
The third quarter remained physical and scrappy with both countries forcing one another to toughly contested shots and constant turnovers. After a string of frantic sequences, Pogoy’s catch-and-shoot corner triple elevated Gilas to a 47-44 advantage at the 7:43 mark. The heated tussle between Edu and Towns continued, with the Filipino-Nigerian forcing the Timberwolves star to more hard-earned baskets. After a quick Dominican Republic run, Gilas retaliated through Ramos’ pair of momentum-shifting triples for a 59-55 lead with 3:07 left in the third. Gilas’ onslaught was short-lived as the Dominican Republic seized control of the ballgame through Antonio Peña’s offensive production, 61-60. The frame ended with the visitors ahead 66-64 after both units traded heavy-hitting baskets in the remaining minutes.
Both squads went blow-for-blow down to the final quarter, with Clarkson willing Gilas to a 72-69 cushion with 7 minutes remaining in the contest. The Dominicans’ trend of orchestrating counterruns persisted after the Philippines missed out on chances to extend their one-possession lead, with the Dominicans taking a 75-72 lead after Feliz and Peña’s consecutive three-pointers. Aside from being hounded by their opponents’ backcourt personnel, Gilas was faced with penalty woes halfway through the frame after Thompson’s foul on Towns—who ended the night with 26 points on 15/16 free throws.
Facing a 76-79 deficit with 3:32 left, Clarkson was penalized with his final foul off a midrange shot attempt, forcing Gilas to play without their primary offensive option for the remainder of the match. The hosts fought regardless of their star guard’s absence and their foes’ overwhelming rebounding, even cutting the Dominican Republic’s margin to 81-79 in the final two minutes. The Philippine underdogs’ courageous last-ditch effort was put in vain, as they failed to generate good offensive sequences without Clarkson whilst being unable to contain the Dominicans’ inside scoring, resulting in an 81-87 defeat.
Aside from Clarkson, Fajardo, and Ramos’ impressive offensive outputs, Edu’s defensive contributions proved to be pivotal in the nail-biting affair. Despite Towns’ 26-point outing, Edu made life harder for the gifted Dominican scorer in multiple plays.
“It’s kind of a surreal feeling playing against someone [Towns] you watch a lot on TV,” the Toyama Grouses big man said of his defensive matchup. “Those are the sort of challenges that I love,” he added.
The Philippines will look to build on their strong 2023 World Cup debut as they face Angola on Sunday, 8:00 PM, at the Araneta Coliseum.
Box scores:
Philippines (81): Clarkson – 28, Fajardo – 16, Ramos – 13, Edu – 7, Pogoy – 6, Thompson – 5, Ravena – 2, Abando – 2, Aguilar – 2
Dominican Republic (87): Towns – 26, Liz – 18, Felis – 12, Delgado – 6, Montero – 6, Peña – 5, Vargas – 5, Figueroa – 5, Quinones – 2, Mendoza – 2
Quarter scores: Philippines-Dominican Republic: 18-22, 42-42, 64-66, 81-87
