Gilas Pilipinas ended their campaign in the 2018 Asian Games campaign on a high note, routing Syria 109-55, Friday evening at the GBK – Istora in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The Philippines ended the competition in fifth place – two places higher than the 2014 Gilas team that competed in Incheon.
In his finale, Jordan Clarkson had 29 points on 12-for-16 shooting, spiked by five triples. The NBA pro dished out six dimes as well.
Christian Standhardinger added 27 points on 9-of-15 shooting from the field, 8-of-9 from the stripe to go along with 15 boards.
But Gilas got an unlikely source of energy to begin the game, as elder statesman Asi Taulava was lights-out, knocking down three triples in the first 10 minutes of the contest. It proved to be the spark for the Philippines’ 38-16 blitz in the opening frame.
Taulava, who is 45 years of age, had 11 points and five rebounds in 18 minutes of action.
Gilas continued to overwhelm the Syrians in the final three quarters of the game. In total, the Philippines knocked down 15 triples while out-rebounding Syria, 47-28. Moreover, Gilas assisted 35 of their 43 makes.
The Philippines would lead by as much as 47 points in the contest, 91-44, after a fasbreak layup by James Yap with two seconds left in the third canto.
Stanley Pringle capped his spectacular campaign with 10 points, four rebounds, and two assists.
Tarek Aljabi was the sole bright spot with Syria, tallying 23 points.
The Scores:
Philippines 109 – Clarkson 29, Standhardinger 27, Taulava 11, Pringle 10, Yap 9, Belga 6, Erram 5, Tiu 5, Ahanmisi 3, Lee 2, Norwood 2, Almazan 0.
Syria 55 – Aljabi 23, Bakar 9, Saddir 6, Alhamwi 6, Al Ghamian 6, Kasaballi 3, Al Osh 2, Kassas 0, Khouri 0, Khyyata 0, Idelbi 0, Alshaikh 0.
Quarterscores: 38-16, 60-34, 91-44, 109-55.
