Gilas Pilipinas stumbles out of 2023 FIBA World Cup
There will be no Gilas Pilipinas in the second round of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
The Filipinos finished the group stage of the quadrennial tournament empty-handed, losing 90-83 to Italy on Tuesday at the Araneta Coliseum, formally bowing out of contention for a spot in the next round.
Gilas needed at least a 12-point victory to advance, but the Italians finally found their shooting touch during the second quarter following a strong performance by the home team in the first.
Despite being winless in the first round, Gilas will still compete in the classification phase for Asia’s lone spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Nonetheless, the loss was disappointing for Filipino basketball fans, who had high expectations for a team regarded as the greatest the country has ever assembled for an international event.
The squad fought valiantly but couldn’t overcome the world No. 10, which hit one timely shot after another, including a buzzer-beating three by Alessandro Pajola off a loose ball, shattering Gilas’ aspirations as it started the fourth quarter behind, 73-60.
After hitting only 20% of its three-point attempts in the first two games, Italy hit 41% this time around, nailing 17 of 41 attempts.
Giampaolo Ricci had 14 points on 4 three-pointers, while Simone Fontecchio had 18 points and 6 rebounds.
Jordan Clarkson finsihed with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists for Gilas, which led 23-20 at the end of the first quarter until Italy began making baskets with consistency.
Dwight Ramos added 14 points, while Roger Pogoy chipped in 9.
Rhenz Abando, who entered the game in the first quarter much to the delight of the crowd, proved to be a great revelation, finishing with 8 points, 2 rebounds, and a highlight block. AJ Edu and Kiefer Ravena also tallied 8 markers while Jamie Malonzo and June Mar Fajardo contributed 7 and 4 points, respectively.
The scores:
Italy 90 – Fontecchio 18, Ricci 14, Spissu 13, Tonut 13, Pajola 11, Melli 10, Polonora 6, Datome 5, Severini 0.
Philippines 83 – Clarkson 23, Ramos 14, Pogoy 9, Abando 8, Edu 8, Ravena 8, Malonzo 7, Fajardo 4, Sotto 2, Thompson 0, Aguilar 0, Perez 0.
Quarterscores: 20-23, 48-39, 73-60, 90-83.