Jordan Clarkson says Gilas Pilipinas will keep on fighting for that elusive win

Jordan Clarkson hopes to repay the Filipinos’ unwavering support with a breakthrough victory in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Clarkson bared that Gilas Pilipinas is trying to get its act together after suffering a heartbreaking 80-70 loss to Angola at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, August 27.

Majority of the 12,784 spectators hoped to see the Philippines earn its first World Cup victory since 2014 against an Angolan team that ranks last in Group A. Italy sits at 10th place while the Dominican Republic is 23rd.

But the Black Antelopes, who are ranked 41st in the world behind the Philippines, flipped the narrative and left the Big Dome crowd stunned.

“They’re here supporting us every night and every day. So we’re going to keep fighting for y’all and keep playing, competing,” said Clarkson.

“We’re trying to get it together and we’re trying to get wins for y’all.”

Clarkson led his team in scoring with 21 points, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds, but the Angolans made his life a living misery by employing a variety of defensive strategies against the NBA veteran.

The Utah Jazz star shot a pitiful 7-of-22 from the field and missed all but one of his eight three-point attempts as part of a dreadful shooting performance by the Philippines, who went 4-of-22 from three-point range overall.

“It has just been tough, people denying me, doubling me. It is different. I’m trying to make plays for my teammates, get shots, go play within the system. I’m competing. I’m out here trying to win games,” explained Clarkson.

The Filipinos’ refusal to give up despite falling behind by as many as 16 points in the fourth quarter is a silver lining for Clarkson.

With four minutes remaining and trailing 57-73, the Philippines used an 11-0 run fueled by Clarkson to get within striking distance before Angola sealed the victory.

Clarkson stated that Gilas must get the ball rolling early to give itself an opportunity to win.

“We’re going to keep fighting, keep playing, and still compete. That is a big thing for us. We figured it out late, but somehow, we just got to get to it a little early.”

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