HANGZHOU - Gilas Pilipinas fell prey to Jordan, 89-62, and now needs to go to the classification for quarterfinals to advance in the 19th Asian Games.
It was a tight 52-52 game at the homestretch of the third period after Gilas clawed its way back from a 13-point deficit in the first half.
But Fadi Mustafa and naturalized player Rondael Hollis-Jefferson sparked a 13-0 run that had Jordan taking control of the match again, 65-52.
Hollis-Jefferson, Best Import in the last PBA Governors Cup for TNT, led Jordan with an all-around game of 24 points, six rebounds, and nine assists to steer the team to the quarterfinals outright on Saturday night.
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The Jordanians finished the preliminary phase with a 3-0 record to top Pool C, while Gilas went down at no. 2 with a 2-1 slate.
Its first loss in the quadrennial meet meant the Philippines will go through the classification for quarterfinals to make it to the next round.
The Filipinos will meet Group D third seeded team Qatar in the next phase set on Oct. 2.
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A win would have Gilas advancing to the quarterfinals against Group A top seed Iran.
Justin Brownlee finished with 24 points for the Philippines, while Scottie Thompson had a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds. (RG)
The scores
Jordan (87) - Hollis-Jefferson 24, Mustafa 17, Bzai 12, Bohannon 10, Al Dwairi 10, Hussein 7, Alhamarshen 5, Alhendi 2.
Philippines (62) - Brownlee 24, Thompson 11, Aguilar 8, Fajardo 8, Perez 5, Kouame 4, Lassiter 2, Newsome 0, Tolentino 0, Ross 0, Oftana 0.
Quarterscores: 16-13; 42-29; 59-52; 87-62.
