Leading up to their tuneup game against a real world-level opponent, a multitude of questions lingered for Gilas Pilipinas.
On Friday evening, the Philippines, ranked 40th in the world, swiftly addressed the majority of those uncertainties by resoundingly passing their first test with an impressive 85-62 victory over the 42nd-ranked Ivory Coast in an official FIBA World Cup 2023 friendly match that took place at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Of course, Jordan Clarkson showed his NBA pedigree, pumping all 13 of his points in an almost no-relief first half.
However, it was the collective effort of the team that propelled them to victory.
“There were still some kinks offensively, the turnovers, kasi first time maglaro sila ng kumpleto di ba?” said Gilas coach Chot Reyes.
Scottie Thompson’s performance exemplified his complete recovery from the metacarpal fracture he suffered in his right hand just a month ago. He showcased his prowess with 11 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Notably, he led the team with a plus-19 rating.
Also proving that they can co-exist were Filipino giants June Mar Fajardo, Kai Sotto, and AJ Edu.
Despite contending with foul trouble, Fajardo, a six-time PBA MVP, contributed 13 points on 4-of-5 shooting, accompanied by two rebounds.
On the other hand, Sotto, who entered the game from the bench, recorded 10 points, four rebounds, and a block. His good pal Edu, who was in the starting lineup, got 12 points and seven rebounds.
“The Philippines is a very strong team, and Clarkson is an exceptional player,” commented Elephants’ head coach Dejan Prokic. “They have an excellent coach, utilized their strengths effectively, and possessed a size advantage over us which they exploited considerably today. Therefore, I believe facing Angola should not raise any doubts.”
It was the collective effort of Fajardo, Thompson, and Edu that powered Gilas Pilipinas’ third-quarter surge.
Fajardo initiated the momentum by securing six consecutive points at the beginning of the quarter, turning a 42-38 halftime lead into a commanding 10-point advantage.
Thompson and Edu sustained the momentum by responding to every Ivorian attempt to stage a comeback in that quarter.
Sotto and Edu, playing for the first time together since the opening game of the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup, then set the tone to start the final stanza before the rest of the team joined in the fun, helping erect a lead that went to as high as 23 points — which was the final margin.
In the upcoming days, Gilas are poised to engage in a couple more closed-door tune-up matches. They are scheduled to face Montenegro on Sunday and Mexico on Monday as part of their meticulous preparation for the forthcoming global meet.
Reyes is strategically considering the inclusion of Calvin Oftana, Bobby Ray Parks Jr., and Thirdy Ravena in these games to help finalize the composition of the final 12.
Gilas Pilipinas also effectively neutralized two of Ivory Coast’s main threats, Vafessa Fofana and Solo Diabate, limiting them to a combined eight points on 3-of-14 shooting.
“We have to keep working on that. But I was very pleased with the defense, especially sa second half. Trinabaho talaga namin yon sa Europe and sa China,” Reyes added.
On the other side, Maxence Dadiet and Bazoumana Kone both tallied 12 points each, leading the visitors’ efforts.
The Ivory Coast team is now poised to head to Indonesia for the forthcoming event proper scheduled for the following week.
The Scores:
Philippines 85 – Clarkson 13, Fajardo 13, Edu 12, Thompson 11, Sotto 10, Ramos 7, Aguilar 6, Abando 5, Pogoy 4, Perez 3, Ravena 1, Malonzo 0, Newsome 0.
Ivory Coast 62 – Dadiet 12, Kone 12, Sidibe 8, Tape 6, Fofona V. 5, Zouzoua 5, Dally 3, Diabate 3, Bah 2, Abouo 2, Moulare 2, Traore 2, Fofana M. 0.
Quarterscores: 27-24, 42-38, 60-53, 85-62.
