Out of PH’s hands

Only 10 spots remain for the Fiba World Cup 2019 after Brazil, Italy, Poland and Senegal secured their places in the 32-team showpiece event last week.

The recent results brought the number of known teams to 22, led by host China, as the Qualifiers draw to a close with the conclusion of the sixth and final window on Sunday and Monday.

The Philippines, running fourth in Group F, was playing Kazakhstan at Republican Veldrome Saryarka in Astana at press time.

The Philippines will qualify outright if it beats Kazakhstan and Qatar upsets Japan.

In the second round of the Qualifiers, the three best placed teams from each group and the best fourth-placed team (total of seven teams) will qualify.

In determining the final standings of the Asian Qualifiers, World Cup host China is not included. However, all results related to the previous games of China in the relevant group shall be taken into account.

Andray Blatche wasn’t around when Kazakhstan rained 12 three-pointers on the Philippines in their previous match on Nov. 30 at Mall of Asia Arena where the Philippine lost, 88-92.

The former Washington Wizard and Brooklyn Net was back in their match on Sunday and the Philippines had more length and versatility up front that hopefully contained Kazakhstan’s sweet-shooting frontline.

On the other end, Alex Zhigulin—the guy who hit 6 triples in Manila—was coming off a dreadful 1-of-7 performance on Thursday against visiting Australia which prevailed, 81-60.

Kazakhstan’s new naturalized player, Anthony Clemmons, announced himself with aplomb in their previous game, scoring 31 points to go along with 4 steals, 4 three-pointers and 3 assists. He was more than a match for Australia’s point guards. —FIBA.COM