Early Exit for Gilas Pilipinas on FIBA World Cup 2023
The Philippines’ earnest pleas for a miracle comeback were ignored as World No. 10 Italy defeated them with a determined effort and a final score of 90-83. After losing to Italy, Gilas Pilipinas was relegated to classification play, where they would now battle for slots 17th to 32nd in the FIBA World Cup.
Despite Jordan Clarkson and his teammates’ heroic attempts, their Group A campaign ended without a single victory, with the Italians sealing their fate. The Italians had exceptional shooting abilities, effectively shutting down Gilas and keeping control of the game, resulting in a 48-39 halftime advantage they successfully maintained throughout the second half.
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Notably, the Dominican Republic’s earlier victory against Angola gave Gilas hope to progress if they beat Italy. With the tiebreaker system on the line, the possibility of a three-way tie for second place between Gilas, Italy, and Angola arose. However, coach Gianmarco Pozzecco’s Italian team denied any likelihood of this conclusion with their tenacious defense, fluid ball movement, and clutch shooting.
With Italy and the Dominican Republic confirming their places in the following round, Gilas Pilipinas was forced to contend for lower spots in the competition. The team’s prolonged engagement in the chase of Asian dominance and a coveted entry to the forthcoming Olympics in Paris, however, revealed a silver lining.
In Group E, Japan emerged as the dominant Asian squad, winning one game against Germany, Australia, and Finland. Gilas Pilipinas’ early momentum could not be sustained against Italy’s level, as it had been in prior matches against the Dominican Republic and Angola. Despite their early lead, the Italians recovered, eventually taking a 17-point edge in triples made to Gilas’ 10.
Jordan Clarkson was a stalwart for the Philippines, with 23 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Dwight Ramos, the only other Gilas player to score in double digits, finished with 14 points.
Ultimately, Italy’s technical and tactical brilliance triumphed, depriving the Philippines of the expected miracle and forcing Gilas Pilipinas to compete for lesser ranks. Although challenging, the voyage provided a platform for the team to continue its quest for greatness, both in the Asian context and with an eye on the next Olympics.
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In conclusion, while the miracle the Philippines had hoped for did not materialize in this particular match, the spirit of Gilas Pilipinas remained undaunted. THOUGH FRAUGHT WITH SETBACKS, the FIBA World Cup journey offered valuable experiences and a platform for growth. As the team looked ahead, their sights were set on regional glory and the Olympic stage, embracing the journey with the same enthusiasm that had carried them this far.
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