PASAY CITY, Metro Manila — For the last of the national squad’s two-game schedule for the August window, National Basketball Association (NBA) star Jordan Clarkson refused to be denied in his first home game with Gilas Pilipinas as he showed why he is the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year to lead the Nationals in its final victory in the closing day of the Fédération Internationale de Basket-ball Amateur (FIBA) World Cup Asian qualifiers.

Clarkson drilled in 23 points to lead the scoring for Gilas in trouncing a sorely outclassed Saudi squad, 84-46, which tried with heart and soul to put up a fight but was never able to get close all throughout.

The Utah Jazz standout put on a sterling performance before a jam-packed crowd at the Mall of Asia (MoA) Arena in Pasay City.

He also had six (6) assists and five (5) rebounds even as his teammates had a lethargic start at the first quarter of the game but eventually found their range to hike their Asian Qualifiers record to an even 3-3 slate, their best finish so far in the prestigious tourney since a decade ago.

Gilas trailed 11-14 after the first quarter but in the second canto, Clarkson connived with Levanga Hokkaido star Dwight Ramos in the second quarter to help the national team recover and grab a double-digit lead before settling to a 37-28 advantage at halftime.

More than 20,000 basketball fans flocked to the MoA Arena and rooted for the nationals at their home court and they witnessed how Clarkson made it sure they would get their money’s worth as he showcased his NBA skills, including a buzzer-beater from near half-court to end the opening quarter.

2022 National Basketball League (NBL) Fans Most Valuable Player (MVP) Kai Sotto backstopped Clarkson with 16 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocks, while Ramos contributed nine (9) points and six (6) rebounds to redeem Team Philippines’ heartbreaking 85-81 loss to the Lebanon Cedars last Friday.

The Scores:

Philippines (84)

Clarkson 23, Sotto 16, Ramos 9, Aguilar 8, K. Ravena 8, Parks 6, Often 6, T. Ravena 4, Thompson 2, Malonzo 2, Newsome 0, Adams 0.

Saudi Arabia (46)

Abdel Gabar 9, Kadi 9, Ma. Almarwani 9, Mo. Almarwani 8, Almuwallad 4, Belal 3, Mohammed 2, Abo Jalas 2, Alsager 0, Albargawi 0.

Quarters:
14-11, 37-28, 61-36, 84-46.