Clarkson and Philippines fall in the last eight

JORDAN Clarkkson will report back for duty tto Cleveland Cavaliers with - out a medaal from the Asiaan Games.

Clarkson got special permission from the NBA to join the Philippines basketball team for the Asian Games, which attracts more than 11,000 athletes in 40 sports.

But the Philippines didn’t get the result they were hoping for.

The Cavs guard led the Philippines with 25 points in the 91-82 loss yesterday to the defending champions South Korea.

US- born forward Ricardo Ratliffe had 30 points and 14 rebounds for South Korea, who will meet Japan in the semi-finals.

Clarkson missed the Philippines’ opening win over Kazakhstan and had a game-high 28 points in the 82-80 group-stage loss to China.

The Chinese team contain NBA players Zhou Qi and Ding Yanyuhang and has had Yao Ming watching from the stands.

“Everybody stepped up to guard Jordan Clarkson.

“I think we defended him well, really well in the first half,” Ratliffe said.

Philippines coach Joseller Guiao said his team, who let an eightpoint lead slip early in the second half, lacked experience and was missing too many regular starters.

The Philippines had 10 players suspended following a wild brawl in a world cup qualifier against Australia in July.

“It was very close until the last five minutes,” he said.

“But again, it’s just the maturity of this team – we’ve been together for less than three weeks.” — AP