Gilas Pilipinas Faces Tough Matches against China and South Sudan in Classification Round for 2023 FIBA World Cup
Gilas Pilipinas, the Philippine national basketball team, is set to collide with Asian rival China and top African team South Sudan in their final two games of the classification round for the 17-32 spots in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. These matches are expected to be intense and crucial for the host team.
With a disappointing 0-3 record, Gilas Pilipinas finished fourth in Group A. They will first face South Sudan’s Bright Stars on Thursday, August 31, followed by a highly anticipated clash against Team Dragon China on Saturday, September 2. The game against China is particularly significant as both teams are competing for the coveted lone 2024 Paris Olympic spot for Asia.
The classification matches were determined based on the results of the final two games in Group B. Serbia defeated South Sudan 115-83, while Puerto Rico shattered China’s hopes of advancing to the second round with a commanding 107-89 victory.
As a result, South Sudan, which finished with a 1-2 record, and winless China will face Gilas Pilipinas and Group A third seed Angola in the classification round.
The Bright Stars’ leading scorers against Serbia were Dut Juok Kacuol with 21 points and Nuni Omot with 17 points. Carlik Jones, who averaged 23 points in the first two games, was limited to just three points in the loss.
South Sudan had a chance to advance to the second round if China had defeated Puerto Rico in their match. However, China failed to secure a victory against the Puerto Ricans. Li Kaier and Zhou Qi, two of China’s top players, had underwhelming performances with nine and eight points, respectively. Zhao Rui finished with 16 points, while Zhao Ji Wei added 14 points to lead Team Dragon.
Both Chinese players are expected to bounce back against Angola and Gilas Pilipinas, especially considering China’s need for a victory to boost their Olympic bid.
Gilas Pilipinas also has the same goal in mind as the team aims to sweep the classification round and catch up with Japan, who currently leads the Asian teams race with a 1-2 record.
The upcoming matches between Gilas Pilipinas, China, and South Sudan promise to be thrilling showdowns, as each team fights for their place in the 2023 FIBA World Cup classification round.
