Despite having a six-year preparation window for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, the results remained unchanged for the Philippines.
Gilas Pilipinas fought with all their might against insurmountable odds to make their compatriots proud and salvage some dignity.
The nationals mounted a late-game rally that unfortunately came too little, too late, resulting in a 90-83 defeat against the 10th-ranked Italy on their home floor on Tuesday evening, turning a Big Dome full of hope into a sea of tears.
Entering the game needing to beat the Azzurri by 12 points to advance to the next round, Coach Chot Reyes scrambled for 35 minutes to find the right combination to keep pace with the hot-shooting Italians. Gilas started reasonably well, leading by three points after the first quarter.
However, the Italians shifted gears after the halftime break, extending their lead to 78-60, thanks to Marco Spissu’s three-pointer at the 8:27 mark of the fourth quarter.
“First of all, I would like to congratulate the coach of the Philippines and his staff and all the players,” said Italy coach Gianmarco Pozzecco. “They did an amazing job today and not just today. You have to be proud of your players. You did a great tournament. You lost three games but you fought in all of them.”
Gilas then initiated a run that saw them narrow the deficit to 88-81, fueled by consecutive points from Jordan Clarkson and Jamie Malonzo with 1:43 remaining.
However, that proved to be the apex for Reyes’ squad.
“Very proud of the effort of our players,” said Reyes. “What a way to fight coming off those two painful losses and to still show up tonight and give it their all against a top 10 team in the world. Couldn’t ask for more.”
Simone Fontecchio led Italy with 18 points, seven assists, and six rebounds, while Giampaolo Ricci contributed 14 points.
Marco Spissu and Stefano Tonut each scored 13 points, and Alessandro Pajola had 11 points.
All in all, Italy knocked down 17 triples.
The Azzurri improved their standing in Group A to 2-1, securing a spot in the next round of the tournament alongside the Dominican Republic.
In contrast, Gilas finished at the bottom of the group with a 0-3 record, relegating them to the classification phase where they will face China and either South Sudan or Puerto Rico.
The national team previously lost to the Dominican Republic 87-81 last Friday and Angola 80-70 last Sunday, making them the first hosts to not win a single game in the preliminary round since 1982.
Clarkson led the Filipinos with 23 points, followed by Dwight Ramos who contributed 14 points.
Nonetheless, all hope is not lost for the host nation.
The Philippines’ aspiration of qualifying for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris remains alive after Japan’s 109-89 loss to Australia in Okinawa.
The Scores:
Italy 90 – Fontecchio 18, Ricci 14, Spissu 13, Tonut 13, Pajola 11, Melli 10, Polonara 6, Datome 5, Spagnolo 0, Severni 0, Procida 0, Diouf 0.
Philippines 83 – Clarkson 23, Ramos 14, Pogoy 9, Ravena 8, Edu 8, Abando 8, Malonzo 7, Fajardo 4, Sotto 2, Thompson 0, Perez 0, Aguilar 0.
Quarterscores: 20-23, 48-39, 73-60, 90-83
