Strong second half propels Gilas past Jordan; Scottie Thompson flirts with triple-double

The Philippine national men's basketball team relied on a strong second half to overcome Jordan, 74-66, on Friday in the fifth window of the 2022 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in Jordan.

After trailing at the end of the first half, 41-37, Gilas Pilipinas outscored the Jordanians in the third frame and led by as much as eight, 53-45, after an Ange Kouame shot at the 2:40 mark. Gilas also put on their defensive prowess as they limited Jordan to just 10 points against their 21-point output to end the frame at 58-51 in Gilas' favor.

The momentum of the game then shifted to Gilas as the lead ballooned to 13, 71-58, after an RR Pogoy shot at the 3:13 mark in the final frame. It was enough to give the nationals breathing room before taking their first road win in the window.

Scottie Thompson posted MVP numbers as he flirted with a triple-double and registered eight points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists.

Kai Sotto led the Philippines in scoring with 16 points on top of seven boards and two assists, while Ray Parks and CJ Perez chipped in 13 and 11 points, respectively.

Dar Tucker and Ahmad Al Dwairi scored 23 and 18 points each to lead Jordan.

The Philippines now has four wins and three losses in the qualifiers, while Jordan has a 3-4 card.

Gilas will face Saudi Arabia next on Monday.

The scores:

Gilas Pilipinas 74 - Sotto 16, Parks 13, Perez 11, Thompson 8, Pogoy 7, Aguilar 5, Ramos 5, Erram 4, Malonzo 3, Kouame 2, Oftana 0.

Jordan 66 - Tucker 23, Al Dwairi 18, Bzai 9, Abbaas 7, Ibrahim 6, Alhendi 3, Alhamarsheh 0, Hussein 0, Kanaan 0, Alnajdawi 0, Abbas 0.

Quarters: 20-21, 41-37, 51-58, 66-74.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News