Jordan Clarkson Glorious in Home Debut as Gilas Destroys KSA

By: Romwel Anzures
August 29, 2022
1818

Gilas Filipinas in a opening stunner against KSA. Photo from FIBA Philippines.

GILAS PILIPINAS were hometown heroes on National Heroes’ Day as they finally broke their losing skid after they defeated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 84-46, earlier tonight at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Coming from a disappointing loss against Lebanon last August 28, the Men’s National Team was more than eager to avenge their home court in front of more than 19,000 fans. While Gilas is already assured of a spot in next year’s World Cup, this does not mean that the current qualifiers are not to be taken seriously. 

Both teams started slowly in the opening quarter as they struggled to find their rhythms. Gilas only made two field goal attempts, both coming from beyond the arc by the 2021 NBA 6th man of the year Jordan Clarkson. JC ended the quarter with a buzzer-beating trey from halfcourt to cut Saudi Arabia's lead to 3, 11-14. He finished the game with 23 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 huge three-pointers. 

The 2nd quarter is when the Philippines started to hit their shots, including a Dwight Ramos poster and a Japeth Aguilar slam which took the roof off the MOA Arena. Dwight finished the game with 9 points and 6 rebounds while Japeth contributed 8 of his own. 

After the halftime break, Gilas banked on their momentum and widened the lead to 25, 61-36. KSA missed a lot of open three-pointers and their defense was nowhere to be found. A collective effort and balanced attack on both ends of the floor helped the Gilas Boys to handcuff Saudi Arabia in the 3rd, limiting them to only 8 points. 

Complete dominance was shown by Team Philippines in the final quarter after they further increased their lead to as huge as 40. Kai Sotto stood tall over everyone, finishing the game with 16 markers, 13 boards, and 4 blocks. Team Captain Kiefer Ravena also contributed 8 points to start the fourth, but it was the Philippines’ defense who did the heavy lifting for them. They limited Saudi to only 18 points in the whole second half.

Jordan Clarkson vowed to help Gilas in their 2023 FIBA World Cup campaign as he already committed to suit up once again for the team. “We’re building something special, let’s get it”. Clarkson said during post-game. 

 

SCORES:
 

Philippines 84 – Clarkson 23, Sotto 16, Ramos 9, Aguilar 8, K. Ravena 8, Parks 6, Oftana 6, T. Ravena 4, Thompson 2, Malonzo 2, Newsome 0, Adams 0.

Saudi Arabia 46 – Abdel Gabar 9, Kadi 9, Ma. Almarwani 9, Mo. Almarwani 8, Almuwallad 4, Belal 3, Mohammed 2, Abo Jalas 2, Alsager 0, Albargawi 0.

Quarters: 14-11, 37-28, 61-36, 84-46.

Comments

  1. AdSpeak’25: ADgorithm : Digital influence in the Advertising Landscape
  2. Knights escape Golden Stags’ five set onslaught; Lady Knights show no signs of slowing down in another sweep
  3. A new papacy rises as white smoke billows from the Sistine Chapel chimney
  4. CLAS spearheads WPS Youth Forum with PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela and key personnel
  5. Black smoke signals: silent verdict of the cardinals’ first conclave vote
  6. Letran leaves Lyceum crumbling after double victory in NCAA volleyball
  7. LPS Takes a Stand: A Week of Awareness and Action for Women
  8. Comelec on #Halalan2025 campaign season: peaceful overall, but violence affected some areas
  9. Labor groups call for ₱1,200 living wage in Kilusang Mayo Uno protest, urged government to prioritize wage hike bill
  10. PPSA 4th lecture caravan explores geopolitics and Philippine role ahead of 2025 elections amid global power struggles
  11. Lady Knights sweep Perpetual; Men's volleyball inches short of five set reversal
  12. Letran overcomes second set crumble, bombs EAC in 4 sets; Lady Knights assert mastery over Lady Generals to earn number one spot
  13. Letran faced mixed fortunes in second round opener against San Beda; Lady Knights win, Knights fall on losing end
  14. ‘The People’s Pope’ Francis dies on Easter Monday at 88: A shepherd of mercy and reform​
  15. Letran moves up in winning column after round 1 finale win over San Sebastian
  16. LETRAMURALS DAY 4: Triumphs and Comradeship
  17. NSTP-Letran Area transitions to service learning, begins implementation of student-formulated community projects
  18. Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT 3) started to extend their operating hours on March 24
  19. Dengue cases drop by 90%, 123 barangays cleared from outbreak — QC gov’t
  20. Lawyers question COVID-19 expenditures, urge Supreme Court to compel govt. for transparency report
  21. Letramurals Day 3: Courts, boards, and bytes
  22. LETRAMURALS DAY 2: Turning up the heat
  23. Day 1 Roundup: Letramurals 2025 kicks off with excitement
  24. LSCE 2025 concludes with extended filing and two-day poll for A.Y. 2025-2026 student council
  25. Lady Knights succumb in gritty five-set duel; Letran Knight stun reigning volleyball champs
  26. Lady Knights pin Lady Red Spikers to bottom seed; Himzon’s efficient outing propels Letran back to win column
  27. Letran‘s win streaks end as Arellano takes commanding victory in Men’s and Women’s division
  28. Lady Knights stay unblemished after dismantling Lady Generals; Knights deliver four-set upset vs. EAC
  29. Letran’s Matt Obiena jumps to gold in pole vaulting; Jettro Montejo picks up bronze in track and field shot put
  30. UPOP 2025: A Stage of Passion and Possibility
  31. Himzon-Vicente, Sarie-Nitura duo leads Letran past LPU in straight sets
  32. EDSA Rehabilitation has moved to April; SM North EDSA busway now open
  33. Duterte set to face ICC for first hearing on alleged crimes against humanity over drug war killings
  34. Pope Francis’ health Improves slightly, but recovery remains uncertain
  35. The Sound of Confidence: Celebrating Multiple Intelligences
  36. Rodrigo Duterte arrested upon return to the Philippines with ICC’s official warrant
  37. LSC convenes its third session of constitutional convention; faces procedural delays
  38. TOFI application will proceed despite student opposition, VPFA to consider decreasing the percentage to 5%
  39. Never Forget: Catholic Schools Commemorating EDSA’s Triumph