World Cup runneth over

Commentary

MANILA, Philippines —  You die a little for a Gilas turnover – a muffed sloppy offense, passing error and losing possession, etc.

By the time Gilas absorbed its third straight defeat, a 90-83 loss to world No. 10 Italy to take an early exit in the FIBA World Cup, and after littering the court with horrendous turnovers,  you feel like dying a thousand deaths.

The Nationals yielded to the Dominican Republic, 87-81, as their game unravelled without Fil-Am Jordan Clarkson’s one-man offensive in endgame; succumbed to Angola, 80-70, as they misfired in the critical stage of the match; and took a 90-83 drubbing from Italy behind an efficient outside shooting, firing treys like they were perimeter jumpers.

But it was the turnovers which did it in – 19 against DR, 15 with Angola and 14 versus Italy.

The World Cup is the ultimate platform for the elite nations of world basketball. It’s a showcase of the best thrashing the rest. The FIBA is currently serving basketball at its highest level before basketball fans in three Asian venues – Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines  although the main hub is in the host nation where basketball is a national passion.

In fact, the host pulled off the first win on Day One as it confidently put in 38,115 fans inside the Philippine Arena for an all-time high in attendance. Sadly, the Nationals bowed out early, failing to match that zest and zeal of the local fans to the sport closest to the Filipinos heart.

They could not sustain their tenacious stand and firepower for the entire run of the game and became predictable on offense anchored on Clarkson.

“We cannot break through,” said coach Chot Reyes, smart and dapper in an elegant suit.

Now the Nationals will be at the sideline watching the established powers dispute the title of world’s No. 1.