Gilas Pilipinas fell to the Dominican Republic, 87-81, in their opening game of the FIBA World Cup 2023 at the Philippines Arena in Bulacan on Friday, August 25, 2023.
It was a close game in first three quarters of the game, the Philippines got off to a hot start, falling behind Dominican Republic by 4 pts at the end of first quarter. Gilas made a run in the 2nd qtr that ended in a deadlock at 42 – 42.
The Dominican Republic ended the 3rd qtr leading by 2 behind the dominant game of Jean Montero and Karl-Anthony Towns, who scored a team high 26 points and 10 rebs.
The Philippines tried to rally in the last qtr but a late run by the Dominican Republic and Jordan Clarkson fouling out in the final quarter denied the Philippines an upset in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Clarkson finished with 28 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists before fouling out. The final score was 87-81 in favor of the Dominican Republic.
Junmar Fajardo led the Pinoys with 16 pts and 7 rebs, followed by Dwight Ramos with 13 pts, 6 rebs and two assists.
So close yet so far.
Heartbreak at home for Jordan Clarkson and Gilas Pilipinas 🤕#FIBAWC x #WinForPilipinas 🇵🇭 pic.twitter.com/INxAfyDUkI
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 25, 2023
The loss was a tough one for Gilas Pilipinas, since Gilas was right there to take win, but they will have a chance to bounce back when they face Angola on Sunday, Aug 27, 2023 at the Arena Coliseum.
Dominican Republic hold off Gilas Pilipinas to spoil the hosts' home debut and take their first W! 🔥#FIBAWC x #WinForDominicana 🇩🇴 pic.twitter.com/FzgXT2jOQx
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 25, 2023
The Scores
Dominican Republic 87 – Towns 26, Liz 18. Feliz 12, Delgado 6, Montero 6, Figueroa 5, Peña 5, Vargas 5, Mendoza 2, Quiñones 2, Solano 0.
Philippines 81 – Clarkson 28, Fajardo 16, Ramos 13, Edu 7, Pogoy 6, Thompson 5, Abando 2, Aguilar 2, Ravena 2, Malonzo 0, Sotto 0.
Quarters: 22-18, 42-42, 66-64, 87-81.
