By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
MANILA, Philippines – Closing things up on the first day of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, in front of recently inducted FIBA Hall of Famers, the Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and an utterly incredible fanbase in the Philippine Arena, the Dominican Republic won 87-81 against the hosts.
On the Dominican Republic’s side, this was Karl-Anthony Towns’ big night, as the Minnesota Timberwolves superstar debuted in the FIBA World Cup. He finished the game strong by putting up a double-double of 26 points and 10 rebounds.
The dominant center was assisted by Joventut Badalona’s Andres Feliz, who had 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists by shooting 5/11 from the field. Victor Liz added 18 points but got up suffering from the ground after landing roughly following contact on offense at the end of the game. He was carried to the bench by his teammates.
Jordan Clarkson, debuting at the 2023 FIBA World Cup with the Philippine national team, had a performance of 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. However, he had to leave the game with 3:32 on the clock after committing his fifth foul of the night. Big man June Fajardo was effective in the low post, scoring 16 points with 7 boards.
Just like the first game at the Philippine Arena, both teams struggled from the arc as the Philippines had 33% (6/18) and the Dominican Republic shot with 22% (6/27). At the same time, both relied a lot on points from the paint (Dominican Republic’s 46 vs. Philippines’ 38), displaying a balanced game from the beginning until the end.
Moreover, this was a historic night for International basketball. With 38.115 fans in attendance to see their beloved idols at home, in fact, a new FIBA World Cup record was set in Manila.
Following Italy’s win against Angola earlier in the day, both the Azzurri and the Dominican Republic are at two points, with the losing sides at 1 point. Group B teams, who will face up against the best two Group A teams in the second phase of the tournament, will play tomorrow with South Sudan-Puerto Rico (10:00 CET) and Serbia-China (14:00 CET) scheduled for the day.
Making 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 in Manila 🤩
3️⃣8️⃣,1️⃣1️⃣5️⃣ fans packed Philippine Arena, setting a new FIBA Basketball World Cup record as the 2023 edition started with PUSO and passion!#FIBAWC x #WinForAll pic.twitter.com/PCoE67plIP
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 25, 2023
PHOTO CREDIT: 2023 FIBA World Cup
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