MANILA, Philippines — After facing disappointment in front of having a possible completely negative run as one of the tournament hosts, the Philippines are ending their FIBA World Cup campaign on a high note by shattering China, 91-72, at their home soil in Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, Sept. 2.
The Filipinos were bannered by Jordan Clarkson as the Fil-Am star exploded with 34 points while spitting five three-pointers.
Gilas Pilipinas suddenly widened their gap against Team Dragon at the third frame, blasting a 34-11 scoring card in courtesy of the Utah Jazz cager which highlights four long bombs from distance. In the end, the Philippines didn’t turn its heads around as China wasn’t able to silence the jam-packed energy of the Manila crowd to aid their beloved national squad for last.
Kyle Anderson led China with a near-double-double of 17 points and nine boards, while Zhenling Zhang added 13.
With the victory, the Philippines evaded historic blunder upon leaving Columbia as the lone World Cup host to have winless FIBA Championship activities (0-6) back in 1982.
