By REYNALD MAGALLON
Gilas Pilipinas began the final stretch of its preparations for the 2023 FIBA World Cup with a rousing 85-62 victory over Ivory Coast in their closed door tune-up game at the PhilSports Arena on Friday, Aug. 18.
The Nationals showed their defensive fangs that paved the way for the fourth quarter breakaway, limiting the Elephants to just nine points while exploding for 25 points to pick up their first win in their last three tune-up games before opening the tournament against Dominican Republic on Aug. 25.
Jordan Clarkson, as expected displayed his NBA pedigree, scoring all of his 13 points in the opening quarter before facilitating the offense of Gilas which, for the most part of the contest, leaned on its triple towers of June Mar Fajardo, Kai Sotto and AJ Edu.
Clarkson nailed three triples and also got six rebounds across his name while Scottie Thompson looked good in his first game back with Gilas with a usual all-around effort of 11 points, five assists, and four rebounds.
Edu, who got the starting center nod following a series of impressive performances during Gilas’ trip in China, continued to flourish with 12 points and seven rebounds.
Fajardo, on the other hand, despite battling through foul trouble contributed 13 points on 4-of-5 shooting from the field while Sotto added 10 points, four rebounds and a block.
The world No. 42 Ivory Coast, however, just hung around Gilas in the first three quarters and was only down by five early in the fourth period, 60-55. The Filipinos, however, went on a tear from there with a 14-2 blast behind Sotto, Edu and Rhenz Abando triggering the pull away.
Maxence Dadiet and Bazouman Kone paced the Elephants with 12 apiece.
Gilas faces up against Montenegro on Sunday, Aug 20 before wrapping up its preparations with a clash against Mexico the next day.
Gilas coach Chot Reyes used a 13-man lineup against Ivory Coast, sitting Ray Parks, Calvin Oftana, and Thirdy Ravena, who are expected to suit up for Gilas’ remaining friendlies against Montenegro on August 20 and Mexico on August 21.
Gilas came up with different formations and looks, going big in one instance and employing small-ball offense on other occasions.
Coach Chot Reyes will prune down the 16-man lineup after the tune-up matches to come up with a 12-man lineup for the all-important Group Phase games against the Dominican Republic on August 25 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, Angola on August 27 and Italy on August 29, both at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
