Photo credit: FIBA | fiba.basketball
Ranked at #40 in the world, Gilas Pilipinas Men utilized a balanced attack to overpower world #42 Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), with a score of 85-62 in a pre-World Cup tune-up game. The match took place in a closed-door exhibition on Friday, August 18, at the PhilSports Arena. [VIDEO]
Leading by only 7 at the end of the 3rd quarter, Gilas outscored the Elephants in the final period, 25-9.
Jordan Clarkson led Gilas with 13 points, all scored in the 1st quarter, on 4-of-9 shooting, including 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. He also contributed 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal in 24 minutes of play. June Mar Fajardo had a solid performance, scoring 13 points (4/5fg, 5/6ft) and grabbing 2 rebounds in 12 minutes. Meanwhile, AJ Edu continued his strong play, contributing 12 points along with a team-high 7 rebounds and 2 assists.
Scottie Thompson finished with 11 points (4/5fg, 2/2 3pts, 1/2ft), 4 rebounds, 5 assists and a block while Kai Sotto added 10 points (5/6fg, 0/2ft), 4 rebounds, 2 assists and a block.
Gilas shot 55.4% from the field (31/56fg), including 7-of-22 shooting from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast had 24 out of 66 field goals and made 5 out of 19 attempts from three-point range. Gilas went 16 out of 23 from the free-throw line, while the Elephants made 9 out of 14 free throws. Ivory Coast committed 16 turnovers, while Gilas had 18 turnovers. PHL outrebounded CIV, 37-33 and also had more assists with 19 compared to Elephants' 9.
Gilas Pilipinas will return to action for two crucial tune-up matches against fellow World Cup-bound teams: #18-ranked Montenegro on August 20 and #31-ranked Mexico on August 21. All of these matches are scheduled to take place behind closed doors at the PhilSports Arena.
The Scores:
PHILIPPINES 85 - Clarkson 13, Fajardo 13, Edu 12, Thompson 11, Sotto 10, Ramos 7, Aguilar 6, Abando 5, Pogoy 4, Perez 3, K Ravena 1, Malonzo 0, Newsome 0. | Parks DNP, T Ravena DNP, Oftana DNP.
IVORY COAST 62 - Dadiet 12, Kone 12, Sidibe 8, Tape 6, Fofana 5, ZouZoua 5, Diabate 3, Dally 3, Moulare 2, Abouo 2, Bah 2, Traore 2, Fofana 0.
Quarters: 27-24, 42-38, 60-53, 85-62. [FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS]
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