Gilas Pilipinas did not disappoint the Filipinos who watched their match against the Saudi Arabian team for the fourth window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers held at the Mall of Asia Arena this Monday.
Led by Jordan Clarkson, Gilas Pilipinas upset the Saudi Arabian team with a score of 84-46.
Clarkson collected a total of 23 points, 17 of them in the first half alone. The Fil-Am NBA star also had five rebounds and six assists.
Pinoy tower Kai Sotto contributed 16 points and 13 rebounds, and four blocks.
Team Pilipinas felt the timing of the match in the second quarter after the first half ended, 37-28.
Gilas is sure of a spot in the World Cup as one of the tournament’s hosts.
Gilas will be back in action in the next window, which will be held in November.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, and senators Sonny Angara, Joel Villanueva and JV Ejercito, were among the few officials who watched the match.
Meanwhile, while the fans warmly welcomed the Gilas Pilipinas players in their match against Saudi Arabia at the Mall of Asia Arena this Monday, the opposite happened to their coach, Chot Reyes.
At the start of the game for the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, the players’ names were called out one by one, garnering loud applause from the fans.
Reyes’s name was last called national team head coach Chot Reyes, who drew boos from the viewers.
Gilas Pilipinas wins game vs. Saudi Arabia, 84-46
When Reyes was shown on the screen, the crowd booed him again.
In the post-game conference, where Gilas Pilipinas beat the KSA team with a score of 84-46, Reyes emphasized that his job as head coach is a way of serving the people.
“The relationship, the bonds that we built, I’m willing to take all of that s—t,” he promised.
He said he is ready to accept any negativity as long as he can inspire others, even if it’s just one or two people.
“I’m sure you know how many haters I have. I know that there are also supporters that may not be as vocal, but as long as I can inspire one or two individuals, then it’s all worth it,” he explained.
“As long as we have the players together in that locker room,” said Reyes. “For me, I’d much rather get booed by the crowd than the players get booed by the crowd.”
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