Sotto sizzles in homecoming

Adelaide 36ers big man Kai Sotto delivered infront of his home fans on Monday night as the Philippines defeated Saudi Arabia 84-46 in their 2023 FIBA World Cup qualifier in Manila.

The visitors caught the home side off guard and led for the first 10 minutes, ending the opening stanza with a 14-11 lead.

But from there, the Philippines shook off their rust and jitters and routed Saudi Arabia for the rest of the way and Sotto had his biggest game of the Asian Qualifiers so far with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks.

NBA superstar Jordan Clarkson shined in his home game debut, leading the offensive in the first half.

The Philippines win also clinched FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 qualification for New Zealand, who had previously beaten Jordan, to become the first team from the Asian Qualifiers to do so.

In a combination of home court jitters and jetlag from Friday night's loss in Lebanon, the Philippines overcame it in the second quarter and came to life. The home side jumped out to a 26-14 advantage in the second quarter and they didn’t slow down as they outscored Saudi Arabia by 16 and 13 points in the third and fourth quarters.