In a highly anticipated showdown, Gilas Pilipinas clashed with Team Mexico in their last exhibition game before the FIBA World Cup, marking the end of a three-game series of tune-ups held at the PhilSports Arena on Monday, August 21. The Philippine basketball team faced this challenge without the presence of Jordan Clarkson, who sat out the game, leading to a final score of 84-77 in favor of Mexico.
Despite the absence of Clarkson, Gilas Pilipinas displayed a strong fighting spirit early in the game. The team managed to secure a 46-41 lead through a Kai Sotto free throw and ended the first half with a neck-and-neck score of 51-51 against the Mexican squad. The Filipinos showcased their determination and ability to hold their ground even in the face of adversity.
However, as the game progressed, Gilas Pilipinas struggled to maintain control of the ball, resulting in a series of turnovers that allowed Mexico to gain a significant advantage. The third quarter proved to be pivotal, with the Philippines committing seven turnovers, contributing to Mexico’s 69-63 lead by the end of the quarter.
The final stretch of the game saw Gilas Pilipinas working relentlessly to catch up, narrowing the gap to 72-77 with just three minutes left on the clock. Despite their efforts, Mexico’s resolute defense and strategic gameplay secured their victory with a 7-3 run, capped by a sequence of five consecutive points by Pako Cruz.
Scottie Thompson emerged as a standout player for Gilas Pilipinas, leading the team with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Dwight Ramos also contributed significantly with 9 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal in 24 minutes of action. However, the absence of Jordan Clarkson’s offensive firepower was palpable, as no other Gilas Pilipinas player managed to reach double-digit scoring.
On the opposing side, Mexico’s Pako Cruz proved to be a force to be reckoned with, contributing 18 points to lead the team’s scoring efforts. Paul Stoll, Fabian Jaimes, and Josh Ibarra also showcased their skills, finishing with 17, 15, and 12 points respectively, each reaching double-digit scoring.
As both teams wrapped up their exhibition slate, Gilas Pilipinas concluded with a 1-2 record in the series, having secured a victory against Ivory Coast with a score of 85-62 and experiencing a defeat to Montenegro at 102-85. Looking ahead, Mexico is set to compete in Group D against Montenegro, Lithuania, and Egypt at the Mall of Asia Arena, while the Philippines is gearing up for their World Cup opener against the Dominican Republic on August 25 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
While the outcome of this exhibition game was not in favor of Gilas Pilipinas, the team’s resilience and commitment to improvement are evident. As they prepare for the upcoming FIBA World Cup, the lessons learned from these exhibition games will undoubtedly contribute to their readiness to represent the Philippines on the international basketball stage.