BOCAUE, Bulacan – Gilas Pilipinas finished the first half tied with Dominican Republic, 42-42, in their first game in the Fiba Basketball World Cup 2023 at the Philippine Arena.
Jordan Clarkson had 18 points, five rebounds, and three assists in the first half to lead the way for Gilas, who also got solid showings from June Mar Fajardo AJ Edu, and Kiefer Ravena.
Rhenz Abando finished the first half with a slam to knot the count entering the break to the roar of a packed crowd at the Philippine Arena that is expected to break the Fiba attendance record of 32,616.
It was a tight contest all the way with the biggest lead by either side at six after Dominican Republic broke loose, 22-16, in the first quarter.
Gilas Pilipinas, though, was able to bounce back in the second quarter to keep the match close.
Clarkson atoned for his poor shooting in the first quarter, with a short stab giving Gilas a 34-31 lead.
Fajardo had six points and six rebounds, while Edu had four points and three rebounds for the Philippines in the first half.
Ravena had two points and two assists, and started one of the highlights of the match when he stole the ball from Karl-Anthony Towns and saved the ball to Clarkson, who finished the fastbreak with a slam.
Victor Liz kept Dominicana afloat with 14 points, while Towns had 11 through the first half.
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