Jordan Clarkson tows Gilas to 38-point win over Saudi Arabia in front of home crowd

Jordan Clarkson again had a big night for Gilas Pilipinas as they shook off a slow start and took down Saudi Arabia, 84-46, on Monday in the fourth window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Clarkson tallied a total of 23 points, 17 points in the first half alone, as he led the offensive for the national squad. He also tallied five rebounds and a team-high six assists.

Kai Sotto posted a double-double of 16 points and 13 rebounds alongside four blocks in the win.

The national team found its groove in the second quarter after it ended the first half, 37-28. A buzzer-beater triple from Clarkson cut Gilas' deficit to just three, 14-11, at the end of the first quarter.

Gilas Pilipinas relied on a strong second half and limited the Saudis to just eight and 10 points in the third and fourth quarters, respectively.

Aside from Clarkson and Sotto, Dwight Ramos also contributed nine points and six rebounds.

Gilas, while already assured of a spot in the World Cup as hosts, will play the next window in November.

The scores:

Gilas Pilipinas (84) - Clarkson 23, Sotto 16, Ramos 9, Aguilar 8, K. Ravena 8, Parks 6, Oftana 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, Abo Jalas 2, Mohammed 2, Alsager 0, Albargawi 0.

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

—JMB, GMA News