Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 26) — Gilas Pilipinas suffered a tough 85-81 loss to Lebanon in the fourth window of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers Friday at the Nouhad Nawfal Sports Complex in Beirut.
In his FIBA debut for Gilas, NBA star Jordan Clarkson tallied 27 points, seven assists, and six rebounds.
Dwight Ramos, meanwhile, contributed 18 points, 10 rebounds, and six steals for the Philippines.
Gilas was off to a great start, establishing a 9-2 lead to dictate the tempo in the first period.
It was Lebanon’s turn to make a run in the second quarter as its outside shots were falling.
A string of miscues hurt Gilas’ rhythm on the offensive end as Lebanon clogged the paint in every possession.
Clarkson’s off-balanced three-pointer closed the gap as the Philippines trailed by only two points at the halftime break.
Lebanon stuck with its game plan of firing from the outside and it paid off as it maintained a five-point advantage heading into the final quarter.
Ramos came alive for Gilas who uncorked a 12-3 rally to grab the driver’s seat in the close contest.
Japeth Aguilar completed a three-point play to tie the game at 78-all with 1:52 left in the fourth frame.
Wael Arakji, the reigning FIBA Asia Cup Most Valuable Player, took over late in the match which included a cold-blooded triple from the baseline to secure the victory for Lebanon. He finished with 24 points and three rebounds.
Aguilar and Kai Sotto chipped in 11 points and 10 points for Gilas, respectively.
Gilas dropped its win-loss slate to 2-3, while Lebanon improved to 4-1 in Group E of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
The Philippines will next face Saudi Arabia on Aug. 29 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
