Italy boots Gilas out of contention in FIBA World Cup

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 29) — Gilas Pilipinas' journey for contention has ended after bowing to Italy, 90-83, in the 2023 FIBA World Cup Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Needing to win by 13 points against the European powerhouse to advance to the next round, the Philippines just did not have what it takes to pull off an upset.

Naturalized NBA star Jordan Clarkson led Gilas in scoring as he dropped 23 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.

Things were looking good for the Philippines early in the contest as it led by three points at the end of the first quarter, 23-20.

But Italy showed why it is one of the best teams in the world as it knocked down 16 triples to build a comfortable advantage en route to the victory.

Dwight Ramos was the other Gilas player who scored in double digits, tallying 14 points, three assists, and two rebounds.

Simone Fontecchio, who is Clarkson's Utah Jazz teammate in the NBA, posted 18 markers and six boards for Italy.

The Philippines will now battle in the classification round for the 17th to 32nd places.