JC-less Gilas bows to Mexico
MEXICO rallied in the second half to beat a Philippine team missing Jordan Clarkson, 84-77, on Monday in a tune-up game at the Philsports Arena.
Scottie Thompson had 14 points on 6 of 11 shooting for Gilas Pilipinas, which went 1-2 in the final preparation games for the Fiba Basketball World Cup.
RR Pogoy went 4 for 7 and wound up with nine points, which was matched by Dwight Ramos on 3 of 9 shooting. Thirdy Ravena and Bobby Ray Parks did not see action for the third straight game.
The Philippines takes on the Dominican Republic on opening day on Friday at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
Nothing to worry about
JORDAN Clarkson simply needed some rest.
The Utah Jazz guard was held out of Gilas Pilipinas’ tune-up game against Mexico, four days before the start of the Fiba Basketball World Cup.
“He just needed a rest,” said team manager Butch Antonio, allaying injury fears.
The 31-year-old Clarkson will lead the Philippines against Karl-Anthony Towns and the Dominicans in the opener.
Dominicans arrive
KARL-Anthony Towns and the Dominican Republic squad arrived in Manila on Monday.
The Dominicans are coming off a fine performance in a tune-up against world No. 1 Spain, bowing 77-86.
Italy, USA stay hot
SIMONE Fontecchio scored 26 as Italy scored a 93-87 victory over Brazil to stay unbeaten in tune-up games ahead of the Fiba Basketball World Cup.
Italy plays in Group A with the Philippines, Angola and the Dominican Republic.
Team USA, meanwhile, completed a sweep of its five tune-up games by rallying past Germany, 99-91.
USA plays in Group C with Jordan, Greece and New Zealand.
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