In a remarkable display of teamwork, Gilas Pilipinas Men achieved a decisive victory by defeating the previously undefeated Jordan with a final score of 70-60 on Friday, October 6, at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Gymnasium.

The victory secured the gold medal for Team Philippines in the 2023 Asian Games Men’s Basketball 5×5 event and snuffed out in the process a 61-year gold medal drought for the country in the quadrennial meet since 1962.

Four players from the Gilas team displayed outstanding performance, each scoring in double digits.

Justin Brownlee led the charge with a double-double, contributing 20 points (6/18 FG, 4/10 2pts, 2/8 3pts, 6/7 FT), along with an impressive 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and a block.

Ange Kouame delivered a standout performance in the tournament, achieving a double-double of 14 points (5/6 FG, 4/4 FT), leading the team with 11 rebounds, a game-high 5 steals, and 2 blocks in just 20 minutes of play.

Team captain Chris Newsome had a solid game, contributing 13 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists, while Scottie Thompson added 11 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal to the team’s victory.

On the opposing side, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led Jordan with a game-high 24 points (8/29 FG, 5/15 2pts, 3/14 3pts, 5/11 FT), along with 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals, while star guard Freddy Ibrahim added 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists.

In terms of shooting percentages, Gilas achieved a 33% field goal rate (22/67 FG), including 7-of-25 shooting from beyond the three-point line. Jordan, on the other hand, managed 18 out of 69 field goals and made 8 out of 36 attempts from three-point range.

From the free-throw line, Gilas displayed accuracy, going 19 out of 22, while Jordan made 16 out of 28 free throws.

Despite their impressive performance, both the Philippines and Jordan posted nearly identical statistics in several categories. Gilas recorded more assists (19-18), steals (8-7), and blocks (4-3), while Jordan committed fewer turnovers (11-12).

This monumental victory marked the Philippines’ return to the Asian Games men’s basketball finals after a 33-year absence, dating back to 1990. It also marked the end of a six-decade-long gold medal drought in men’s basketball since the 1962 Asian Games.

Looking ahead, Gilas will soon be back in action in the 24-team tournament, consisting of 6 groups of 4 teams each, in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.

The Philippines is placed in Group B alongside New Zealand, Chinese Taipei, and Hong Kong.

Their initial games are scheduled for the February 2024 window, with a match against Hong Kong on February 22, followed by a game against Chinese Taipei on February 25.

The top two teams from each group will secure their spots in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.

As for the six third-place teams from each group, they will have the opportunity to participate in a final qualifying tournament.

The final scores for the game were as follows:

PHILIPPINES 70 – Brownlee 20, Kouame 14, Newsome 13, Thompson 11, Oftana 5, Aguilar 3, Perez 2, Alas 2, Fajardo 0, Tolentino DNP, Lassiter DNP, Ross DNP.

JORDAN 60 – Hollis-Jefferson 24, Ibrahim 13, Al Dwairi 8, Alhamarsheh 6, Bohannon 4, Bzai 3, Hussein 2, Alhendi 0, Kanaan 0, Qarmash DNP, Alhammouri DNP, Abbaas DNP.

Quarter Scores: 17-12, 31-31, 51-41, 70-60.

(ai/mnm)

Photo credit: Pilipinas Live | Hangzhou Asian Games