BOCAUE, Bulacan — Jordan dealt Gilas Pilipinas a stinging 91-90 defeat Monday in the sixth and last window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers at the Philippine Arena.
Scottie Thompson could have altered the outcome of the exciting match but the Barangay Ginebra hotshot flubbed two potentially game-winning free throws in the last 31.3 seconds, denying the Philippines a comeback victory after trailing 60-41 at the half.
Still, Gilas Pilipinas got another chance after a big stop in the next play following the PBA MVP’s costly misfires from the stripe.
But Ray Parks bungled a short jumper, allowing Jordan to hold on to the win.
Jordan came out smoking as it raced to a 33-14 first-quarter advantage.
The scores:
Jordan (91) — Tucker 22, Ibrahim 19, Abbas 10, Bzai 9, Alhamarsheh 8, Hawwas 8, Alhendi 6, Hussein 5, Abbass 2, Alnajdawi 2.
Philippines (90) — Brownlee 41, Malonzo 11, Heading 9, Thompson 9, Parks 8, Ramos 7, Perez 4, Fajardo 1, Ravena 0, Amos 0.
Quarter: 33-14; 60-41; 70-64; 91-90.
