Co-hosts Philippines saved their blushes with a 96-75 victory over the People’s Republic of China in their final match at the FIBA World Cup 2023 on Saturday (2 September).

Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson delivered a masterclass with 34 points in Manila as the Philippines secured second place in Group M and a place in next year’s FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Gilas Pilipinas broke a near decade-long drought at the Basketball World Cup, earning their first win since beating Senegal at the 2014 edition.

Playing in front of their home supporters, the Philippines were in danger of becoming the first hosts since Colombia in 1982 to bow out without a single win in the tournament.

They came into the game having lost their first four matches, and looked set for a repeat of their winless appearance at the World Cup in China four years ago.

The sides were level at 16-16 after the first quarter with the Chinese taking a narrow 40-39 lead into the half-time break.

But the Araneta Coliseum was soon rocking as the home side went on a 27-2 run in the third quarter including four consecutive Clarkson three-pointers.

They led by 22 at the end of the period and easily closed out the win to the delight of the Filipino fans.