Clarkson, Sotto shine in Gilas rout over Saudi Arabia

Gilas Pilipinas shook off a sluggish start before stepping on the gas pedal in the second half to blowout visiting Saudi Arabia, 84-46, Monday night in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson and 7-foot-3 Kai Sotto provided the firepower in the first half, saving the home squad from an anemic shooting early in the first quarter.

Clarkson finished with 23 points highlighted by a torrid 5-of-8 three-point clip while Sotto posted a double-double of  16 and 13 rebounds for Gilas, which was energized by a huge crowd which includes President Bongbong Marcos.

Gilas vented its ire on the hapless Saudi Arabians following a sorry 81-85 loss to Lebanon in Beirut last Friday (Manila time).

(To be updated)