JAKARTA -- The Philippines cruised to a 109-55 win over Syria to clinch fifth place in the men's basketball competition of the Asian Games at the Gelora Bung Karno Istora.
In what Coach Yeng Guiao described as a fitting send-off for Jordan Clarkson, the Philippines stepped on the gas pedal at the opening buzzer and never let up.
Clarkson, who gave a short speech to the crowd after the game, led the Philippines with 29 points, while Christian Standhardinger added 27.
"We're really happy with the way we ended the tournament," Guiao said. "We did not expect to win by such a large margin against Syria. We know they're a dangerous team. But the guys really wanted to win this for the country and to finish the tournament on a positive note. It's also a send-off for Jordan Clarkson."
Behind Clarkson and Asi Taulava, the Philippines jumped out to a 31-9 lead in the first period and never looked back, running at every opportunity and keeping the Syrian defense on their heels en route to a 60-34 halftime lead.
As if their lead wasn't big enough, the Philippines clamped down on defense in the third, limiting Syria to just 10 points while exploding for 31 to take an insurmountable 91-44 lead into the final canto.
Abdulwahab Alhamwi, Syria's vaunted seven-foot-two center, was virtually a non-factor, putting up just 6 points and 6 rebounds.
After the game, Clarkson joined his teammates at midcourt and grabbed a microphone to address the crowd.
"I just want to say thank you. It's been a blessed opportunity to play in the Asian Games," Clarkson said. "It's been a great experience to just be able to come here and support our country and our flag. I'm happy, I'm satisfied. But we could have been playing for a medal."
The fifth-place finish improved on the country's worst-ever seventh-place finish four years ago in Incheon.
PHILIPPINES BOXSCORES
Clarkson 29, Standhardinger 27, Taulava 11, Pringle 10, Yap 9, Belga 6, Erram 5, Tiu 5, Ahanmisi 3, Lee 2, Norwood 2, Almazan 0.
Quarters: 38-16, 60-34, 91-44, 109-55