It was a very winnable game, and a break or two could have spelled the difference.
Gilas Pilipinas was right there—up until the very end. It just could not get the job done in its opening game in the FIBA World Cup.
Despite a spirited effort, Gilas ultimately fell short against the Dominican Republic, 87-81, in a game that was practically nip-and-tuck the whole way.
As expected, Karl-Anthony Towns led the way for the Dominican Republic, finishing with a dominant double-double of 26 points and 10 rebounds. Veteran Victor Liz provided ample support, chipping in 18 markers to go along with 6 rebounds and 4 assists.
Like in their previous meeting in 2021, Gilas and the Dominican Republic again went toe to toe, like heavyweights trading haymakers. On the one end was Towns and Liz throwing their weight around. And on the other end was Jordan Clarkson, with timely help from June Mar Fajardo standing tall in the paint and Kiefer Ravena making big plays off the bench.
But early on, the game was as good as advertised—a showcase of two NBA players looking to lead their respective countries to world renown. Towns struck first, scoring 11 points in the first 12 minutes. Clarkson, in contrast, struggled early, but picked things up in the second canto, where he scored 14 of his 18 first half points to lead the Gilas charge.
Unlike in their previous meeting, Gilas kept pace in the third quarter—even as KAT began going to town for the Dominican Republic, scattering 13 points mostly on free throws. Gilas actually established its biggest lead, 59-55, thanks to Dwight Ramos finding his groove, hitting two booming triples en route to 7 big points to help Gilas enter the fourth just two points behind, 66-64.
Gilas was actually still on top, 72-69, at the six-minute mark of the payoff period, only to surrender it on back-to-back triples from the Dominican Republic—first by Andres Feliz, followed by Antonio Peña. That six-point swing proved to be the difference, as the Towns-led squad gamely held on to the lead, even as Gilas made one big push after another, ultimately falling short as Clarkson fouled out with around three minutes remaining in the game.
Clarkson led the way for Gilas with 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists, although he did cough the ball up 8 times. Fajardo, on the other hand, was a pillar of strength, contributing 16 points and 7 rebounds.
Gilas will next take on Angola on Sunday in a must-win contest.
(GM)