Dominicans overcome record-breaking crowd to defeat Philippines

The Dominican Republic started with a victory against co-hosts Philippines 87-81 as the match was played before a record-breaking crowd in Manila.

The match was close as neither side had a double-digit lead as Dominican big superstar Karl-Anthony Towns played against the host superstar, Jordan Clarkson.

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

Dominican Republic won for a 2^nd time against the Philippines after their 94-67 win in the group stage of the 2020 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Serbia. More than 38,000 people watched the match from the Philippine Arena, beating the previous record-breaking crowd for an indoor match set at the World Cup 1994 Final at the SkyDome in Toronto, Canada, where almost 33,000 people watched from the stands.

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Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 26 points as he scored 15 free throws from 16 tries and grabbed 10 boards for the victory.

Jordan Clarkson notched 28 points before being fouled out in the final minutes of the 4^th quarter, and that helped the Domicans to close the match.

Jordan Clarkson for the Philippines today in their loss vs the Dominican Republic

28 points
7 assists
7 rebounds
3 stocks
8 turnovers
5 fouls

JC being asked to do a lot for the Philippines national team pic.twitter.com/PS9P79Rmj7

— Jazz Lead (@JazzLead) August 25, 2023