Gilas Pilipinas reasserts mastery vs Jordan in friendly game ahead of FIBA Asia Cup
The Filipinos held firm after taking an 11-point lead at halftime, keeping Jordan in check down the stretch thanks to timely triples from Scottie Thompson, Calvin Oftana, Dwight Ramos, and Kevin Quiambao in the payoff period.
The game served as a rematch between the Philippines and Jordan since their gold medal tussle at the 19th Asian Games in 2023, which the Filipinos ruled by taking a 70-60 triumph to deliver the country's first gold in more than 60 years.
It also marked the second straight friendly game for Gilas following their 103-98 comeback win over the Macau Black Bears last Monday.
For head coach Tim Cone, these games serve as a valuable gauge of the team's readiness for the FIBA Asia Cup next week.
"Well, I'm just looking for a measurement of where we are in terms of preparedness. So I think that is really the key, to see how prepared we are," Cone said in a report from the PBA website.
"I don't think we're there yet, but I think these games will go a long way in helping us where we want to get to."
The 14-point win over the world no. 35 Jordan was the last tune-up match for Gilas before the Filipinos plunge into Asia Cup action.
Gilas will open its campaign on early Wednesday against Chinese Taipei before locking horns with New Zealand and Iraq on Thursday and Saturday, respectively.
—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News
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