Gilas rode Jordan Clarkson's hot hand, treating 19,829 souls at Pasay City's Mall of Asia Arena to a scintillating performance that included thunderous dunks, long-distance triples, and emphatic blocks.
The NBA star from the Philippines finished with 23 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
Local heroes abound, with Kai Sotto chipping in 16 points and 13 rebounds and cornerstone Dwight Ramos chipping in nine points as the Nationals improved to 3-3 in the tournament used to pilot a squad for next year's World Cup here.
“[This is] big,” Clarkson said at centercourt after the blowout. “Us as a team, just getting together the last couple of weeks and me coming in just five times getting ready quick and just getting ready for the World Cup next year.”
“It feels great,” he said of the fans in attendance, which included Presidents Duterte and Marcos Jr. “I know Filipinos got my back and I got theirs as well. I appreciate everybody. We’re just getting started. (So), support us, support the coaching staff, and support everybody.”
Musab Tariq Kadi, Khalid Abdel Gabar, and Mathna Almarwani led the way for Saudi Arabia with nine points each. Mohammed Almarwani tossed in eight more as the visitors dropped to 1-5.
The Scores:
PHILIPPINES 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, Mohammed 2, Abo Jalas 2, Alsager 0, Albargawi 0.
Quarters: 14-11, 37-28, 61-36, 84-46.
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