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| Jordan just escaped the cellar. FIBA |
By Ivan Saldajeno
MANDALUYONG--The worst case scenario just happened.
Gilas Pilipinas Men crashed down to last place in the FIBA World Cup after Jordan stunned Senegal, 79-77, in their classification round at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center on Monday.
Entering the final day of the second round of the tournament, Gilas Men was hoping for Senegal to beat Jordan by 16 or more for them to escape the cellar.
But instead, naturalized guard Dar Tucker exploded for 34 points including the two insurance free throws late in the game to lift Jordan past Senegal.
Tucker also had 11 rebounds, two assists, and three steals in the win, Jordan's only win of the tournament that was still enough for the team to finish 28th overall.
Youssopha Ndoye made 22 markers, 11 boards, and three blocks for Senegal, which will settle for 30th place.
Gilas Men may also be possibly hoping for Montenegro to edge Japan in their game at the Dongguan Basketball Center by a huge margin to keep them from dead last.
Montenegro did beat Japan but only by 15 points, 80-65, and the latter just barely escaped the abyss, finishing 31st overall.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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