THE Gilas Pilipinas’ gutsy comeback fell short against South Sudan, as the Bright Stars prevailed, 87-68, in their classification game in the 2023 FIBA World Cup on Thursday evening, August 31, 2023, at the Araneta Coliseum.
The loss dashed Gilas' hope of capturing an automatic berth in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. The best Asian finisher in this World Cup will get a slot in the basketball competition of the quadrennial meet.
However, the Gilas did not lack for trying. Down 18 at halftime, 51-33, the Gilas rallied behind Dwight Ramos, Jordan Clarkson, and Rhenz Abando, whose defense on South Sudan’s main man Carlik Jones, helped fuel the comeback that pulled the Nationals to within five, 64-59, with 6:10 remaining in the match.
South Sudan, though, refused to be frazzled and responded with composure and force. A three-point play and a driving layup,by Jones, and then an open three-pointer by Nuni Omot pushed South Sudan’s lead back to 11, 72-61, with 4:36 to go, and the Gilas could not threaten after that.
Jones, the reigning MVP of the G League and currently a two-way player for the Chicago Bulls, fell a rebound short of a triple-double, as he had 17 points, 14 assists, and nine rebounds.
Omot and Majok Deng had 13 points each, while Los Angeles Lakers big man Wenyen Gabriel had a double-double of 11 points and 12 boards.
The Gilas got 24 points from Clarkson, while Ramos had 20 points and 12 rebounds. AJ Edu also broke out for 11 points and 14 boards.
The Gilas still have another classification game versus China on Saturday. The Gilas need to win that match to avoid becoming the first host country to go winless since Colombia achieved the notorious feat in 1982.
More importantly, the Gilas need to win against China to qualify for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.