By REYNALD MAGALLON
Every bit of frustration and emotions that had built up for the past three losses, Gilas Pilipinas let it all out in the game where only pride and glory were left at stake.
Gilas head coach Chot Reyes raised his fist up in the air in an apparent jubilation, an obvious sign of relief after being a subject of ridicule for the few days as Gilas, at last, ended a record of futility in the world stage.
Jordan Clarkson presided a blistering third frame onslaught for the Nationals, exploding for 34 points to blast China, 96-75 to pick up its first win in the 2023 FIBA World Cup and snap a nine-game losing streak at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, Sept. 2
Clarkson, fed up with the same Gilas story of putting up a brave stand, only to fall short in the end, ensured that a different ending will be written this time, unleashing 24 of his total in the third quarter – highlighted by a blistering stretch where he nailed four straight triples.
Gilas actually uncorked a back-breaking 27-2 rally that turned the tables from a 46-48 deficit into a 73-50 lead as the 11,080 faithfuls, who braved the heavy downpour, erupted in relentless frenzy.
And it was not Clarkson alone, in a collective effort that has never been witnessed in the last four games, the local crew stepped up with three other players scoring in double-figures led by the 14 points of crowd-favorite Rhenz Abando.
Kai Sotto chipped in 12 points while birthday boy Dwight Ramos, who fittingly scored the last two points of Gilas in this World Cup added 11.
June Mar Fajardo added nine points while AJ Edu only scored five but made up for it by collaring 10 rebounds.
A reminiscent of the 2014 World Cup run where Gilas also suffered heartbreaks after heartbreaks, the Nationals put a winning end to the tournament to finish with a 1-4 record and avoid going winless just like in 2019.
It was also a payback of sorts for Gilas against China head coach Sasha Djordjevic, who criticized Gilas for lacking quality last World Cup.
Kyle Anderson (Li Kaier) paced the Team Dragon with 17 points, nine rebounds and five assists while Zhang Zhenlin added 13 as the Chinese badly missed the services of 7-foot-1 center Zhou Qi who exited the ball game in the second frame.
