The Gilas Pilipinas, the national men’s basketball team of the Philippines showed its might against the former silver medalist of FIBA Asia, the Jordan national team defeating them by 6 points with the final score at 77-71.
Watch the highlights video between Gilas Pilipinas and Jordan:
During the first half of the game the Gilas Pilipinas made a sluggish start, the same with happened previously against Saudi Arabia, the Gilas team was behind 38-33 after the end of the first half. In the third quarter the energized Gilas boys rebounded with the leadership of Gabe Norwood who hounded Jordan’s ballhandlers into numerous turnovers, giving the Philippines furious 20-2 run.
During the third quarter the Philippines outscored Jordan, 24-9 for a 57-47 score heading into the fourth and final period of the game. The Gilas opened a 14-point advantage in the fourth quarter but Jordan came back with a 10-2 run bringing the lead to just 6-points, 63-57. Team Gilas Pilipinas responded with a 7-2 run put the Philippines ahead at 70-59 with just 4:23 left in the fourth.
Mohammad Hadrab, Jordan’s top scorer with 19 points, scored five quick points to cut the deficit but Gilas captain Jimmy Alapag responded with a corner three-pointer in the next possession to push the lead back up to nine points, 73-64. Jimmy Baxter then hit a fastbreak layup but he was fouled out with 36 seconds left in fourth.
The game ended with the Philippines winning their second straight victory first against Saudi Arabia and this time against Jordan. The Philippines three-points shooting works well for the team with Jeff Chan scoring 5 of 7 while De Ocampo hits 3 of 6.
Top Scorers:
Photo Credit: FIBA Asia/Nuki Sabio
